The purpose of this guide is to provide states, districts, and schools with information and support to prepare applications for 2015-2016 School Improvement Grants (SIGs). The guide includes tools, checklists, and questions for SEAs and LEAs aligned with the revised SIG requirements, primarily focused on how to leverage the "planning…

This document provides a framework of guiding principles and general steps addressing the construction of safer and more disaster resilient education facilities. It is aimed to be adapted to the local context and used to develop a context-specific plan to address a critical gap to reaching the Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development…

The guide allows users to adapt and implement suggested O&M (operating and maintaining) strategies to address specific energy efficiency goals. It recognizes and expands on existing tools and resources that are widely used throughout the high-performance school industry. The guide is organized into the following sections: (1) Chapter 1:…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

Quality schoolyards provide opportunities for the physical challenges, exercise, sensory play, fantasy play, organized sports, and unsupervised free play that allow for healthy, well-rounded development. Schoolyards should be safe places where children practice social skills and develop an appreciation for the feelings of others and the…

Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed…

All private colleges and universities make strategic capital investments and consider the use of debt to fund those investments. From the commonplace purchase of photocopiers to the construction of new academic buildings or dormitories, investment decisions that yield long-term financial benefits must follow on the heels of careful analysis. To…

Securing appropriate facilities can be a significant challenge for those intending to open a charter school. Although, like all public schools, charter schools receive per-pupil dollars from the state, they generally receive considerably less. Additionally, because traditional public schools rely on their district to provide their school…

Suggests ways to renovate buildings with sustainability in mind, with specific tips in the areas of: (1) lights; energy management; (3) walls and roofs; (4) water; and (5) aesthetics. No one thing will make a building sustainable; it is the aggregate that makes it effective. (SLD)

Describes how to create additional revenue streams by designing campus facilities that are flexible, multifunctional, and satisfy student preferences. The college dining hall is used to illustrate how a cafeteria is transformed into a multifunctional business enterprise designed to keep students on campus. (GR)

Explains how a roof-management plan that includes preventive maintenance can reduce costs and extend a roof's life cycle. Explains what types of historical and roofing asset information needs to be gathered, roof inspection requirements, how often roof preventive maintenance tasks should be conducted, and program staffing needs. (GR)

Describes how modern lighting systems, such as wireless lighting, which come complete with user-friendly controls and audio/video interfaces, enhance the educational process and cut costs. Discusses evaluating a building's lighting situation, lighting controls, and such systems' flexibility for future needs. (EV)

Examines the use of fabric mesh knitting as canopies for children's playgrounds. Its benefits and drawbacks are addressed as are how innovative design and choice of materials can help eliminate function difficulties. (GR)

Describes the benefits of using protected membrane roofing (PMR) systems as a means of cutting maintenance and repair costs over the roof's lifetime. Addresses responses to arguments against using PMR systems. (GR)

As part of a districtwide construction and renovation program in Everett (Washington) an Art Deco auditorium was refurbished, theater support facilities were expanded into an old gymnasium, and cafeteria space was rebuilt to house studios. (MLF)