When education providers confront obstacles such as shrinking budgets and swelling enrollments, a multi-million-dollar new facility or major additions probably are not feasible. Converting vacant and underused buildings into school facilities enables administrators to acquire additional space quickly and cheaply. In this article, the authors…

Explores how the myths of modular construction for schools began; also discusses the advances made in steel and modular construction. The major advantages of using permanent modular construction for schools are highlighted, including its rapid construction, use of standard building materials, financial flexibility, and durability. (GR)

Discusses how schools are using non-traditional settings to solve their combined problems of finding space for an increasing student population while creating environments that encourage and inspire students to learn. (GR)

Discusses the tradeoff of speed and movability versus costs when using relocatable buildings to solve educational space needs. Concluding comments address building-code compliance issues driving up expenses and impacting facility planning.(GR)

Explores using modular buildings to solve space problems in an atmosphere of decreasing budgets and how these buildings are capable of addressing multiple needs. Also discussed are what administrators should consider when adding modulars, including using suppliers as consultants, planning site visits, and using turnkey services to help ensure…

Reveals how some schools are meeting the challenge of building new spaces to stimulate and inspire students during periods of climbing enrollment. The extent and character of the enrollment boom and its impact on public schools and universities are highlighted. (GR)

Examines the use of school relocatables to address the demands of increasing student enrollment and space utilization. Considerations involving location selection and building continuity are discussed as are preparatory planning for power hook-ups and inspections. Reasons for using relocatables are highlighted. (GR)

Using the example of Clark County school district in Las Vegas, discusses the challenges faced by administrators of rapidly growing areas. Districts confronting rapid growth must find enough money to build needed facilities, secure appropriate sites for new schools, juggle multiple construction projects, and not let the focus on new facilities…

Discusses the experiences of one Oklahoma school district's efforts to successfully address the expansion and renovation challenges of its highly diverse school system. Emphasizes the importance of gaining community support. (GR)

Examines the problem of school overcrowding, the political resolve to help school districts cope with rising enrollment, and examples of how some districts are taking the initiative to meet their rising enrollment challenges. Includes examples of school district's use of portable buildings; the expansion, renovation, and reclamation of old…

Discusses how the Clark County School District (Las Vegas) is able to successfully manage approximately 8% student enrollment growth per year along with one new building opening on an average of every 15 days. Examines managing new facility construction, making provisions for new technology, and using portable buildings to accommodate student…

Presents the American School & University magazine comparative national data on 1998 new school and college construction and renovation costs, the amount of construction activity planned, and new-school cost trends. Data show a 23% increase in all types of construction over 1997, with modernization and additions topping the list in percentage…

Examines building-cost trend data for educational facilities from the American School & University's 24th annual Official Education Construction Report for 1997. Data tables list education construction by projects completed; by projected spending; institution type; type of spending; projects projected for completion; and how construction costs…

This 22nd annual Official Education Construction Report details school and university construction information. It documents the amount and type of construction put in place and projected to be completed by the nations' educational institutions over the next three years (1996-1998). Annual and regional construction activity projections are…