Evidence continues to emerge about the effect indoor air quality has on a student's ability to learn. One study cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows moderate changes in room temperature affect children's abilities to perform mental tasks requiring concentration, such as addition, multiplication and sentence comprehension.…

When schools and universities look at saving energy in their facilities, they are likely to review the efficiency of their heating and cooling systems, or the quality of their building envelopes. When facility managers focus attention on school bathrooms, they are more likely to consider issues such as cleanliness and safety as more critical than…

When Fayette County (Kentucky) school officials began putting together estimates for upcoming renovation projects at two elementary schools, they based their projections on their district construction projects from 2007. But by February, when construction bids were opened for the renovations of Cassidy and Russell Cave elementary schools, the…

This volume contains advocacy briefing papers presented at the 15th Annual National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Legislative Summit held February 15-15, 2012 in Washington, DC. The following papers are included: (1) Become a Powerful Advocate; (2) NIEA Legislative Priority for 2012: Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education…

Maximizing school resources and managing a shrinking budget--these are two important items affected when a building's roofing system does not perform properly. Rather than acting in haste, school and university administrators should do what every teacher tells a student prior to answering any question: think through the research and studies to…

Schools and universities should have a thorough plan that sets priorities for the most pressing facility renovations. With remedial programs, enrichment offerings, recreational activities and extended-year schedules, many school facilities are no longer dormant in the summer months. The increased year-round use of education facilities benefits…

In this testimony, Patricia Whitefoot talks on behalf of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) with regard to President Obama's Fiscal Year 2011 budget request. She describes how Native education still faces enormous challenges, including severe underfunding. Far too many students and schools continue to experience abject failure. NIEA…

Describes innovative strategies that schools and universities are using to save money and reshape operations. Focuses on ideas in energy efficiency and facilities improvement, direct purchasing, energy management, retrofitting buildings, ceiling insulation upgrades, automation systems, electric demand programs, facilities programs, warranty…

Describes how integrated electronic control systems can provide multibuilding districts with cost savings and improved efficiency. Explores how such systems can quickly locate problem areas and save money. Describes how cooling, heating, lighting, and other components can be preprogrammed and offers some suggestions for selecting a system. (RJM)

Offers different school administrators' opinions on issues affecting education. Focuses on the Americans with Disabilities Act, school administration, business offices, contract services, energy concerns, school facilities, furniture and furnishings, hazardous materials, indoor air quality, lighting, maintenance, physical education, purchasing,…

Discusses the benefits of painting a school's concrete buildings, and considerations when painting new or insufficiently aged concrete. Painting issues include allowing moisture to escape, choosing alkali-resistant paint, removing efflorescence, and surface preparation. (GR)

Explains how schools and universities can plan their technology cable management systems to avoid future problems. Offers points to consider when choosing overhead, in-the-floor, raised floor, and perimeter raceway systems. (GR)

Reveals how schools and universities can improve the performance of their windows without sacrificing aesthetics or architectural significance. Offers tips for properly restoring or replacing windows in older historically significant buildings. (GR)

Discusses the importance of providing K-12 and college students with a high quality, comfortable educational environment that is conducive to learning, focusing on the range of spaces comprising a typical campus: general studies classrooms, larger spaces, special spaces (e.g., laboratories and museums), gymnasiums, natatoriums, and ice arenas. (SM)

One of the keys to good library planning is to keep service points contiguous whenever possible, thus saving in personnel costs. (Author/MLF)