Comments on how schools can take advantage of summer vacations to tackle construction and renovation projects. Issues such as keeping the community informed about the summer construction schedule, guaranteeing student safety, creating teamwork, and anticipating potential surprises are discussed. (GR)

Discusses why Indiana University finds using separate maintenance management, geographic information, and computer-assisted design and facilities management systems is more practical than integrating all three into one package. The central features of the system are discussed. (GR)

Offers strategies to make schools' cleaning operations run more smoothly. Discusses how to estimate the amount of space that needs cleaning and how long it should take, the benefits of team cleaning versus zone cleaning, and the importance of monitoring complaints and overtime to ensure staff is performing efficiently. (EV)

Examines built-up, modified bitumen, and hybrid combinations of the two roofing systems and offers advise on how to assure high- quality performance and durability when using them. Included is a glossary of commercial roofing terms and asphalt roofing resources to aid in making decisions on roofing and systems product selection. (GR)

Discusses techniques to help create clean and inviting school locker rooms. Daily, weekly or monthly, biannual, and annual cleaning strategies for locker room showers are highlighted as are the specialized maintenance needs for aerobic and dance areas, running tracks, and weight training areas. (GR)

Discusses how today's classrooms and other campus buildings are driving the need to consider the requirements of maintenance personnel when designing new facilities. Issues such as planning for adequate staff and equipment, low- versus high-maintenance areas, and short-term cost versus long-term durability are addressed. (GR)

Explores the challenges facing college and university residence hall facility managers and how different schools address these issues in diverse ways. Ongoing concerns involving funding needs and maintenance are examined followed by discussions on the new challenges in managing student life, health, and safety. Concluding comments reveal where…

Each month "American School & University" provides a mix of thought-provoking features, how-to-articles, industry reports, exclusive surveys, new sections, insightful columns, new product introductions and case histories to assist education officials in better performing their jobs. This June 2004 issue includes the following:…

Three methods of determining waste quantity for a new building are supplied, based on a study conducted at the Cambridge campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (MLF)

Presents a specific explanation of one school's successful application of custodial contracting. Describes the advantages and disadvantages of the program and provides a sample custodial contract. (Author/DN)

Contends that small defects in steam heating systems often go unnoticed, while efficiency drops. Presents guidelines for detecting steam loss through trap orifices and determining how much they are costing. (Author/MLF)

At Sam Houston State University, student involvement includes: student involvement includes: student representatives on construction committees, student organizations assisting in planning facility improvement projects, the use of student employees in maintenance areas, and involvement of students with residence hall projects. (Author/PG)