Describes two novel ways to accommodate new student populations: (1) building small, house-style classroom buildings in developing residential areas (in Flint, Michigan); and (2) using modular classrooms that can be dismantled and attached to other schools as the population shifts (in Montgomery County, Maryland). (MLH)

Successful school construction projects require careful planning. School boards and administrators should consider architectural firms and contracts carefully. Reduce costs by hiring subcontractors, requiring documentation for proposed changes, negotiating frequent site visits by architect, organizing board subcommittee to review work, and…

The 1979 passive solar design for Meadow Park Elementary School (Irvine, California) was not used until 1986. Architects had incorporated workable energy-saving features that would give a sizable return on the investment. They maximized use of natural light and used solar features (clerestory windows and interior courtyards) to reduce heat…

As serving as its own contractor, a small district in western Montana saved money, had better control over the project, and inspired public confidence. Major advantages were cost savings, controlling the pace of construction, and the ability to cope with change orders. (MLF)

With a new round of school construction on the horizon, planners must consider such energy conservation measures as placing energy consumption limitations in design specifications, retaining experienced engineers, using staff expertise, considering boilers offering fuel options, seeking outside assistance, resisting use of existing plans, and…

When the voters of Carlsbad, in southeast New Mexico, passed a $14 million bond referendum in 1992, the school board decided to use a portion of the money to consolidate the kindergarten, Head Start, and developmentally delayed preschooler programs into one building. Colors and symbols give young children visual reminders. Four architects offer…

A New Jersey high school district built four prototype classrooms to measure the impact of new technology and telecommunication tools on instruction, assess alternative instructional strategies, and determine the training and development needs of the staff. (MLF)

Describes the Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Schools' management of physical assets to generate income. Notes the need for board and superintendent commitment, outlines nine steps for developing plans, and considers 13 potential issues. Lists 21 types of assets and their estimated demand and annual income and potential uses, users, and problems.…

The number of school fires is up nationwide. This article describes unsafe school conditions, problems with new fire codes, and the factors that contribute to school fires. Installation of sprinkler systems is recommended. A fire-safety checklist is included. (LMI)

In school construction projects a great deal of work and planning needs to happen before ground breaking starts. Lists consistent factors that should always be considered when setting up a facility-design timeline. (MLF)

The key to making smart decisions for school district facilities lies in comprehensive planning--a team effort that crosses lines of responsibility and expertise. A sidebar offers examples of questions that need to be asked and answered. (MLF)

Provides advice for school systems on developing asbestos abatement plans to comply with EPA regulations. Topics discussed include inspection, management plans, appropriate responses, training, and surveillance. (TE)

When your board must close schools, do as the Minneapolis School Board did: research, analyze, and develop alternatives; involve the community (including the local government); and when you make your decision to dispose of a site, act decisively. Case histories illustrate creative uses for surplus schools. (TE)

Smart growth schools are small in size, encourage broad community involvement, and make good use of existing resources. Promoting small, community-based schools requires innovation, new partnerships, and a commitment to working to overcome the barriers presented by traditional rules and regulations. (Author/MLF)

High-growth school districts can learn from Park City, Utah, about the adoption of school facility impact fees. These fees are levied against new residential units to offset the additional costs to a school district. A sidebar summarizes variation in state laws pertaining to impact fees and cites some legal challenges to their imposition. (MLF)