Although schools and school districts have experience planning for biological hazards (such as contaminated food) and types of infectious diseases (seasonal flu, Staphylococcus aureus, meningitis, etc.), pandemics often present unique challenges and greatly impact efforts to ensure continuity of teaching and learning, as well as safety. The…

Kentucky Administrative Regulation 705 KAR 4:231, general program standards for secondary career and technical education (CTE) programs, states that all CTE facilities shall be of adequate size to accommodate the work of their respective program(s). The material within this resource guide is designed to aid school administrators, teachers, boards…

The past few years have been a fertile time for new school creation. Whether it was the disruption of the pandemic forcing families to improvise as their traditional schools struggled to cope with the challenge of the coronavirus, or the sweeping new private school choice policies passed in state after state, it has never been a better time to be…

Proper planning of school facilities is critical for all school districts no matter how large or small, whether major construction is in the works or the district is managing enrollment declines. When school districts properly plan for their school facilities they have better schools, more public use and higher value for public spending. This…

In this paper, the 21st Century School Fund and the Center for Cities and Schools at the University of California Berkeley provide a conceptual frame for the joint use of PK-12 public school buildings. There is a growing conversation about and demand for joint use as a way to provide services to children and families in convenient locations,…

Schools have always been recognized as an integral part of the community and the challenge is to ensure this vital component of social infrastructure is delivered in such a manner that long term benefits for local children, families and the broader community are realized. The Western Metropolitan Region in Victoria has experienced rapid…

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…

Since Herb Broda published Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning, his groundbreaking first book on outdoor learning, many schools across North America have embraced the benefits of "greening" their learning programs. Herb has visited dozens of these schools and nature centers, and he showcases the very best examples of schoolyard-enhanced…

In the future, schools will become resource networks with teachers functioning as brokers and with peer learning, mentors, parents, and the community playing significant roles. Schools must be sophisticated enough to give the vision of educators a shape and a dwelling. (MLF)

Microcomputers and available software can be used to display spreadsheet information helpful to facility planners. This article discusses the nature of electronic spreadsheets, presents an applications procedure, and illustrates a practical facilities planning application by using software generally available. (MLF)

Effective planning for campus security requires a coordinated effort by the facility planner and safety and security personnel. Examples at Ohio State University are cited. (MLF)

A master plan for school facilities should be brought up to date at least every five years. Outlines sections of a master plan and describes ways to project future enrollment figures. (MLF)

For the postoccupancy evaluation of a Colorado high school, four instruments probed different aspects of the total facility. Tables show responses from different groups regarding the overall quality of primary space, building design, and site facilities. (MLF)

School site selection is critical since the site can affect the size and shape of the school, which in turn can materially affect the educational program and opportunities for students. This document provides guidance for California school districts to help them select school sites that provide both a safe and supportive environment for the…

This publication is the third of three publications to assist school business officials with the challenges of improving school facilities. This report explores issues relating to technology implementation in school buildings, including cost and finance issues, space requirements, classroom configuration, equity in technology availability,…