While there is much we can't predict, there are a few things we know for sure. We know that the population of the U.S. is growing and along with it the enrollment in our K-12 schools. We know that there is a growing need for an educated workforce, affecting the enrollment of colleges and universities nationwide. We know that there is an ongoing…

This annual report examines information on school construction completed and underway during 2014 and planned to start in 2015. Among the findings of this report: (1) school districts in the United States spent more than $14 billion ($14,123,865,000) on construction projects completed during the 2014 calendar year; (2) most of the construction…

This annual report examines information on school construction completed and underway during 2013 and planned to start in 2014. Among the findings of this report: (1) school districts in the United States spent just over $13 billion ($13,390,396,000) on construction projects completed during the 2013 calendar year; (2) school construction in 2013…

Describes integrated door assemblies, a recent development in design that combines the exit device, hardware, door, and frame into a single unit. Explains how the doors help schools save money on installation, maintenance, and repairs by reducing the likelihood of vandalism and daily abuse. (EV)

Describes how school districts in Ohio have dealt with old, architecturally significant school buildings when state rules mandated that it would be cheaper to rebuild. Many districts found ways to renovate the buildings or convert them to other uses. (EV)

Using the examples of Owen D. Young School in Van Hornesville, New York, and the Tonawanda City school district in Buffalo, New York, describes how school planners should take the accessibility standards mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into account when renovating. (EV)

Discusses ways urban communities can improve neglected educational facilities, including converting existing commercial buildings into "new paradigm" schools and breaking large schools into small, specialized academies. (EV)

Discusses how technology has contributed to brighter, less expensive, and more efficient lighting. Four key areas where suspended Direct/Indirect lighting out performs parabolic troffers are examined. (GR)

Discusses the use of trained rats to help thread wiring through school walls. The benefit of kid's interactions with the rodents is highlighted. (GR)

Describes the exterior renovation of Central Lee Community School District's high school, near Donnellson, Iowa, particularly the installment of a standing-seam metal roof system and other energy-related improvements. (EV)

Describes the design of Eastland Career Center's new cosmetology laboratory in Columbus, Ohio; the aim was to provide a hip, high-end salon image that operates functionally for classroom purposes and draws more students to the school's cosmetology program. (EV)

Examines high-benefit lighting for educational facilities to reduce crime and increase safety. How costs can be affected by different lighting choices is highlighted. (GR)

Discusses how Niagra Falls (NY) High School was able to help in the rebirth of its declining neighborhood by rebuilding its high school to give the community something to relate to. Financing efforts, facility design, and community amenities are highlighted. (GR)

Presents the latest thinking on Total Cost of Ownership in educational technology and the management of its long-term costs. Areas examined include the costs of retrofitting to accommodate new technology and upgrading into wireless technology, and how infrastructure affects tech support. (GR)

Examines typical high school physical educational facility courts found in the Clark County School District (Las Vegas), an area noted for building or reconstructing over 950 courts over the past decade. Base materials and surfaces used are addressed. Photos are included. (GR)