Day care directors who wish to create a good first impression for parents may wish to consider the appearance of the exterior of their building, the reception area, general health and safety of the center, personnel, center vans, and telephone etiquette. (RJC)

School districts are being overcharged by allowing closed roof specifications written by a single manufacturer of roofing materials. Cites examples from two Michigan school districts. Advises school districts how to choose a roofing consultant. (MLF)

Hiring private contractors to manage school support services, such as food, maintenance, and busing, is a growing trend. Companies such as Marriott Corp., ServiceMaster, ARA Services, and Laidlaw Transit report that school business is steadily increasing. Unions staunchly oppose privatization. This article balances advantages and disadvantages,…

In Illinois, the combination of aging structures, local taxpayer resistance to increased property taxes, and increased costs have all affected local school infrastructure feasibility. Proposes four steps districts should be required to take to meet their fiduciary responsibilities. (eight references) (MLF)

Discusses how a recent New York State Supreme Court decision ordering the repair of all facilities within the New York City School system could have far-reaching implications for other districts. The school system's history of school building neglect that prompted the Court's decision and the decision's effect are examined as are similar…

Discusses how architects and school districts can learn from the past to avoid repeating costly mistakes. Addressed are architectural fees and the importance of not severely reducing time and cost spent in design to help ensure better facility performance later. (GR)

Describes how a roof maintenance program will ensure that schools enjoy optimum protection for occupants and property. Discusses how to set up a plan, which includes annual inspections; inventory and documentation, such as recording warranty numbers; and implementing maintenance/repair plans. Offers suggestions for finding a roof consultant. (RJM)

Discusses how creative planning can help schools to keep washroom traffic moving, deter vandalism, and reduce maintenance. (EV)

Presents survey data from college and university business officers on the growing popularity of outsourcing traditional in-house services. Overviews are presented on outsourcing operations and maintenance (O/M) and planning and construction (P/C). Regional analyses by region, type, size, and role of O/M and P/C services outsourcing are provided.…

The capital renewal and replacement of the nation's public higher education facilities has been a growing problem for several decades. While the need for new and improved facilities has increased over the years, many campuses simply have too many aging infrastructures that are too costly to replace. This, at a time when we have less than …

In the beginning, optimism reigns. As planning for a new education facility gets underway, those with a stake in the process envision how the building will enhance the institution and the surrounding area. Teachers and students imagine spacious, comfortable classrooms and labs with the most up-to-date equipment and furniture. Administrators and…

At its April 25, 2008 meeting, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) approved the funding models for the two-year colleges, the universities, and the technical centers. These models had been developed in conjunction with the presidents and chancellors after numerous meetings and revisions. The funding models were used to develop…

A detailed study by Educational Facilities Laboratories (EFL) and the Fairfax County, Virginia, school system shows which changes in operational procedures, maintenance practices, and buildings would yield significant savings in energy comsumption. (Author/MLF)

Recent influxes of baby boomers coupled with state reforms reducing student-teacher ratios are stretching the limits on available school facilities across the country. Several aspects of the school facilities issue are covered in question-and-answer format; (1) What is the current status of aging school buildings? (2) What are the financial…

Designed as an instructional aid in teaching about custodian housekeeping methods and materials, this booklet contains information on the school custodian's responsibilities and methods for maintaining the building inside and outside, including the cleaning and sanitation of classrooms, restrooms, showerrooms, lunchrooms, corridors, and special…