Discusses how the Burnsville (Minnesota) expanded its high school classroom space by buying a shopping mall and converting it into classrooms. Renovation costs and classroom layout are briefly discussed; a floor plan is included. (GR)

Discusses how one community middle school, whose creation was the result of involvement of the town it resided in, became a lifesaving facility for many of the town's residents when disaster struck. Examines the community-wide effort in the school's construction planning and its benefits to the community after its completion. (GR)

Offers suggestions for facilities managers to alleviate dissatisfaction with architects during school building or renovation projects. Areas discussed include budgets, communication, program development, scheduling, firm hiring, resource allocating, fees payment, and increasing the scope of the projects. (RE)

Describes The Walt Disney Company's K-12 school of the future design that was developed from combining the hands-on knowledge of a school district and the curriculum expertise of a teaching university. Several illustrations and a basic floor plan are provided. (GR)

Explains how working with architects, involving the community, and developing a comprehensive program can eliminate many of the problems encountered when planning a school renovation. Steps in program development are highlighted, including discussions on each of the factors in building programs, such as enrollment trends, space needs, technology…

Sprinklers can protect school buildings, save lives, and actually reduce construction costs. Sprinkler-system costs can be easily offset by insurance savings, as well as by specific alternatives or design options permitted by nationally recognized building codes in view of the superior protection that sprinklers provide. (MLF)

Under California law, developers are required to pay school districts impact fees of $1.84 per eligible square foot. However, the Huntington (California) School District says the state-mandated fee falls far short of expenses and attempts to convince developers to increase the fee voluntarily. The Utah State legislature recently outlawed…

Describes the special advantages and unique problems of building a school in Hawaii as revealed in the design of Kauai's Kapaa Middle School. Using the environment to help reduce construction costs is described as are the economic tradeoffs to adapt buildings for earthquakes and hurricanes. (GR)

Identifies the 10 most common carpet problems in school facilities and offers solutions. These include: transition areas, moisture, spot removal, recurring spots, cleaning agents, allergens, wicking, biological contamination, equipment selection, and cleaning methods. Ensuring a successful maintenance program results in satisfactory appearance,…

Discusses the lessons learned from Disney's K-12 Celebration School when trying to apply the latest research on teaching and learning to the school's design. Explores the future of business/school partnering in school planning, and offers expert advice on the school-planning process. (GR)

Explores how research can confirm that customer-driven educational-facilities planning actually works. Describes a matrix format for gauging value scores on a school renovation's importance to a community and on how the community believes the building is performing against that value. (GR)

Technology available to schools includes a broad spectrum of voice, data and video equipment. Planners need to consider the following subsystems individually and collectively: (1) technology-based products; (2) communications and power distribution to support the equipment; and (3) ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, environmental controls, and…

In selecting an overall color scheme for a facility, start with the largest areas first. The carpeting followed by the walls, then furniture and other accessories. Because color can affect people emotionally and behaviorally, consideration should be given to who will be using the space. (MLF)

Explains the planning involved for converting a school's outdoor spaces into extended science classrooms. Addresses planning the schoolyard environment, arguing that the natural environment should be considered early in the planning phase; stakeholder cooperation; and adapting to changes that can affect the investment being made. Helpful Web sites…

Examines the educational-facility-planning issues for restructuring schools to meet the future demands of students and educational programs. Issues discussed include the educational environment, building access, technology and its effect on the learning environment, specialty areas and ancillary space requirements, and community involvement. (GR)