Roofing is one of the major expense items in school district maintenance budgets. Outlines steps to take in project planning, developing budget estimates and specifications, and completing a roofing project on time. (MLF)

Although each school district and its bond finance campaign are unique, success at the polls depends on identifying the community's particular voting groups and developing matching strategies. Year-round public-relations programs are essential. Planners should study other districts' successful strategies, pool all available resources and talents,…

Countless court cases have taught school districts that fairness in general operations funding means more than dispersing funds to the most politically powerful communities. The same holds true for facilities. Equity (allocating resources based on relative need) depends on setting standards, inventorying existing facilities, identifying the…

Examines ways of improving school cleaning costs and quality by adhering to 15 specific principles. Principles discussed include the use of employee training, accountability, quality equipment and supplies, assignment scheduling, written self audits, computerized management, and industry involvement. (GR)

Explains how a comprehensive analysis of school facilities' needs can help persuade decision makers to support budget requests. Steps discussed include establishing repair costs, measuring building conditions, forecasting future costs, determining the long-term budget, and communicating consequences. (GR)

Discusses how school design/planning can help a school double its life span. Examined are the importance of insightful planning and detailing by the architect, the need for quality workmanship by the construction team, and the value of proper maintenance of the building by the owners and maintenance team. (GR)

Offers ideas for locating a roof leak. Discusses why many leaks originate in the roof's base flashings and the importance of knowing the roof's material makeup. Advocates keeping a roof-leak history and gives advice on performing inspections to check for leaks. Discusses how to find small holes in roofs. (RJM)

There is a national increase in the deferred maintenance of colleges and universities in the United States. The resulting deterioration represents a threat to the capability of higher education facilities to support mission of the colleges and universities they house. A series of questions concerning what the problems are and how they can be…

Identifies the 10 most common carpet problems in school facilities and offers solutions. These include: transition areas, moisture, spot removal, recurring spots, cleaning agents, allergens, wicking, biological contamination, equipment selection, and cleaning methods. Ensuring a successful maintenance program results in satisfactory appearance,…

Addresses the issue of grounds care at educational facilities. Tips for purchasing and maintaining equipment, keeping regular maintenance schedules, and properly training workers are presented. Safety tips are also included for employees operating grounds equipment. (RE)

Shows how schools are working to avoid the types of equipment, supplies, and maintenance practices that harm indoor air quality. Simple steps to maintaining a cleaner indoor air environment are highlighted as are steps to reducing the problem air quality and the occurrence of asthma. (GR)

Schools and other government facilities want to see whether privatization of maintenance can provide services as efficiently and at less cost than inhouse workers. Privatization proponents say that everyone will benefit the most if the bidding process involves competition. Offers examples from the Memphis City Schools and the Union Public Schools…

Argues that the overall and continuing decay of the nation's public school facilities suggests a greater formal relation is needed between K-12 school physical plants and the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA). APPA's efforts to study and prepare for this task while also supporting APPA strategic objectives are discussed.…

Discusses the 1997 collapse of a balcony on a historic building at the University of Virginia, which resulted in a death and several injuries. Explores the balcony structure and cause of the collapse, any possibly preventative measures, and the resolution of legal proceedings resulting from the collapse. (EV)

Discusses the use of school facility design as an aid to efficiently repairing and maintaining facility systems. Also presents details on facility design's influence in properly maintaining mechanical and electrical systems. (GR)