Describes how one school district installed a high-speed data-network infrastructure that included a free telephone system and video. The asynchronous transfer mode system chosen by the school district is described, along with its telephone and video components. (GR)

Discusses the trends towards school districts outsourcing selected support services as a means of attaining organizational efficiency and cost control. What decision makers should look for when considering outsourcing is examined. (GR)

Discusses the prospects of electricity deregulation and highlights nine steps school districts can take to reassess and update their plans for maximizing the benefits of deregulation. Suggestions include forming an energy management team, seeking discounts and rate incentives, getting involved in competitive user groups, and aggressively seeking…

Discusses how one New Mexico school district weighed the choices in selecting and purchasing computer furniture for its classrooms. The purchasing process is described, as well as the types of, and reasons for, the furniture bought. (GR)

Explores some of the factors to consider before school planners decide to buy new school buses. Provides a checklist to help build and maintain a bus fleet. Concludes by addressing bus safety and advertising. (GR)

Presents data on public school construction completions, starts, and renovations by school type for the years 1997 and 1998. Statistics are categorized within 12 regions covering the entire United States. Overall numbers show a steady increase in all three areas with completions in 1998 at $14.6 billion being 15% higher than in 1997, and starts in…

Provides two examples of school districts combining the elements of technologically-savvy students with faculty and a supportive taxpayer base to provide paths for installing and using technology in the district's schools. Both examples provide each district's goals, planning process, decision-making issues, and the conclusions. (GR)

Discusses school district progress in complying with the facility accessibility aspects outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It notes inconsistent compliance and the need for greater school district spending. The ADA's current impact and future concerns are addressed. (GR)

A Missouri school district found long-term technology funding by redirecting existing budget dollars. Attention to technology, as well as general long-range planning, helped attract several important business partners. (MLF)

Presents U.S. regional data on public school construction spending, including trends, profiles on new schools planned or currently underway, building types and composition, types of construction completed in 1998, and comparative construction spending analyses between regions. Data reveal an overall $3 billion increase in construction spending…

Presents survey information showing where school districts have invested their security budgets. Included are the rankings of the various threats school districts see as requiring security action and the areas most often covered by closed circuit television systems are pointed. (GR)

An Illinois school district's multiyear, comprehensive plan requires the renovation of each school to accommodate state-of-the-art and future audiovisual and computer technology. A major part of each renovation is the school's media center. Five of the district's 13 schools have been renovated, with remaining schools set to be upgraded in phases…

Describes the Superintendent's Technology Advisory Committee (STAC), which was created by 43 district superintendents in San Diego County, California. STAC pools resources to promote and provide equity, assuring access to new technology for all students in San Diego County. STAC's accomplishments and lessons learned are listed. (RE)