The preventive maintenance program for Oakland (California) public schools has full-time traveling teams of carpenters, painters, and a plumber, augmented by electricians and glaziers. Scheduled visits are made to every site twice a year. (Author/MLF)

Steps to follow in order to obtain a good roofing job. (MLF)

Action to take if a roof starts to leak. (MLF)

Checklists of problems to look for during an inspection can help keep roofs properly maintained as energy saving devices. (Author/MLF)

When planning for a new facility, consideration of maintenance needs is crucial to successful design. Designing for maintenance needs involves considering such factors as the durability of materials used, the cost and lifecycle of the materials, and the flexibility of the maintenance staff. Stresses the importance of including key members of the…

Using the example of a Texas elementary school, describes how to eliminate mold and mildew from school facilities, including discovering the problem, responding quickly, reconstructing the area, and crisis planning and prevention. (EV)

Describes how a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), a centralized maintenance operations database that facilitates work order procedures and staff directives, can help individual school campuses and school districts to manage maintenance. Presents the benefits of CMMS and things to consider in CMMS selection. (EV)

Describes how using skylights and other daylighting methods can improve the efficiency of a school facility, enhancing the learning environment and simplifying maintenance. (EV)

Presents background information on the 1998 recipient of the third annual National School Plant Manager of the Year award and those receiving honorable mentions. The recipients are described as exemplifying the evolving role of the school facilities manager. (GR)

Discusses ways to make carpet maintenance in schools easier and effective for keeping carpeted areas in schools attractive and long lasting. Covers cleaning tips for basic spills, ideas for staying on top of stains, and suggestions for eliminating odors. (GR)

Discusses how some college maintenance managers are getting the most out of their tight maintenance budgets. Examples of cost-cutting measures are provided, including comparative shopping for cleaning chemicals, eliminating duplicate maintenance services for auxilliary units, motivating maintenance staff and employing students, and saving money…

Explains why schools should evaluate whether their older steam-heating systems are still cost-effective, or need to be repaired or replaced. The symptoms of deterioration are listed along with discussions on repair or replacement decision making on three areas of steam heating systems: boilers; distribution system; and terminal equipment. (GR)

Discusses terrazzo floor care after installation, and on a daily, weekly basis, and semi-annually basis. Cautionary notes on the types of cleaners to use are provided. (GR)

Shows how faster, more efficient machines can help maintenance staffs keep schools and universities clean and manage maintenance tasks more efficiently. (GR)

Presents some basic maintenance management techniques that can help schools meet their budgets, preserve staffing levels, meet productivity needs, and sustain quality services. Tips for staff recruitment, training, and retention are explored. (GR)