This article addresses two of the most repeated questions in APPA (1) How can we convert our reactive maintenance operations to a planned and predictable operation? and (2) In addition, how can we do this with little or no additional resources? It seems reasonable to assume that if a department is short on resources and in a full-blown reactive…

When yes/no or multiple-choice answers do not suffice--when a qualitative understanding of a topic rather than a quantitative head count is needed--it is time to consider focus groups. They work well when learning why, how, and what for is more important than measuring how many. Focus groups are primarily an open-ended form of inquiry, enabling…

Schools and districts across the country are being subjected to some of the fiercest budget cuts in recent history, even as principals are held increasingly accountable for significantly improving student achievement, particularly in schools labeled "persistently low-achieving." For the 5,000 lowest-performing schools, there is the…

Most districts are facing severe budgetary constraints, and special education is one area that is feeling the effects. Special education consumes an average of 20%-30% of school district budgets. Pacing fiscal and systemic controls on special-education spending, and examining para professional placements in particular, will lead to better delivery…

Revenue generation is a challenge faced by museums in today's economy. The authors encourage educators to take on a larger role in establishing new revenue streams. By applying Jim Collins' "Hedgehog Concept," their unique knowledge of audiences, and their strong ability to work in teams, educators can rethink what they've always done to influence…

This third in a series of articles on EDIS (Electronic Document Imaging System) technology focuses on organizational issues. Highlights include computer platforms; management information systems; computer-based skills of staff; new technology and change; time factors; financial considerations; document conversion costs; the benefits of EDIS…

Describes how the Seattle (Washington) Public Library celebrated National Poetry Month in 1997 with readings, workshops, lectures, and poem-a-day display boards in libraries and community centers. Suggests ways libraries can organize programs, activities, exhibits, and displays for National Poetry Month (April) at minimal cost and staff effort.…

Updating a similar booklet published in 1975, this guide is written to assist local school districts in organizing their energy conservation efforts to maintain vital services and programs and to provide the healthful, safe, and comfortable physical environment necessary for schools. Topics covered include the composition of the district energy…

Provides eight tips on how to save money during school district renovation when budgets are tight. Suggestions discussed include the use of volunteers for some basic work, offering summer maintenance positions to existing employees, adding an energy monitoring system, replacing older heating and lighting systems, and renting classroom space during…

Labor shortages, cost increases, and turnover have prompted Fairfax County Schools, Virginia, food service managers to offer training programs and recruitment bonuses, to use more convenience foods, and to price out every service. (MLF)

The first section of this report defines and discusses the concept of productivity in education, reviews methods used to identify community college outputs and conversion factors, and reviews possible approaches to productivity management. The second section describes the step-by-step procedure used by the Dallas County Community College District…

Describes the expenses associated with the wide-ranging functions of an admissions office and argues that enrollment management staff must be well-trained and flexible in order to accommodate students' changing needs. Gives cost categories and concludes with a discussion of cost containment and quality. (RJM)

Fifteen different institutions offer suggestions for managing small shops by: long range planning, setting priorities, organizing and systematizing, defining staff regimen, using outside help, and finding reinforcement through feedback and freely offered ideas. (MLW)

Effective use of available human resources for improving an institution's viability in a retrenchment economy is advocated, with reference to small developing institutions. The use of temporary and part-time faculty is discussed as well as faculty release time and the effects of class size. (Author/SF)

The District of Columbia Public Schools system has taken action to ensure that supply items will be obtained at the most competitive prices. Because lack of storage facilities prevented bulk purchase of emergency items at competitive rates, the Division of Buildings and Grounds has remodeled a building as a warehouse to store large quantities of…