Presents trend data of school districts fund allocation for school maintenance and operations of their facilities across the United States. Data reveal a continuing decline in funding for maintenance and operations of school facilities. (GR)

A recent study developed efficiency indicators (grouped into price, personnel, productivity, and policy categories) as part of an ongoing internal benchmarking process to help six affluent New York school districts manage their facilities maintenance and operations processes. Based on data analysis, the greatest area for potential savings (from…

Assistant Superintendent Steve Kramer explains that the primary objective of privatization in Madeira (Ohio) schools was to create more time for administrators to spend on educational issues. Transportation, food service, and custodial services are run by private companies. (MLF)

Discusses how colleges and universities are scrambling to catch up on deferred maintenance before the backlog becomes overwhelming. The problems, and some solutions, for acquiring repair funding and collecting needs data are addressed. (GR)

Describes how educational institutions are recognizing the short-sightedness of deferred maintenance. Discusses the challenges facing schools as they confront maintenance costs and what they must do to address the problem. Offers advice on proactive stances toward maintenance such as computerized work control processes, maintenance zones, and…

Describes the cost and causes of the school maintenance "crises"; lists seven questions to determine if a school district has a quality maintenance program; describes consequences of deferred school maintenance in Yuma (Arizona) Union High School District. (PKP)

Education administrators always are trying to get better performance from their custodial-services department. When schools use more efficient and cost-effective methods, administrators can focus on more pressing issues and worry less about routine problems. In this article, the author discusses some basics to consider: (1) site safety…

Going through the building process could take up to five years--five of the toughest and most satisfying years of an administrator's career. In going through this process, one can learn a great deal about the community and staff involved, and about onself. But even when the building project is completed, there is still work to be done: now is the…

Colleges are focusing increased effort--and money--to improve the physical condition of existing facilities and address a huge backlog of deferred maintenance. According to "American School & University's" 36th annual Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Cost Study, the median college spends 16.4% of total college budget on M&O, up from 11% the year…

Proper maintenance is necessary for all public school facilities. In Maryland, both the Board of Public Works and the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction (IAC) work to improve public school maintenance. Since 1980 the IAC has conducted a survey of selected Maryland schools to assess the quality of local maintenance programs in 106…

These study figures can serve as a guide to school business officials attempting to reduce costs without endangering educational programs. (MLF)

The article provides a checklist of qualities that speak of classroom proficiency and competence after the shop or laboratory teacher leaves for the day. (MW)

This manual presents practical methods and procedures to help school custodians ensure safe, functioning facilities and to reflect the district's standards. The guide begins with brief discussions of custodial organization, staff relationships, and maintenance staff. The section "Job Descriptions by Titles" lists functions of custodial positions.…

Two intruments for evaluating the school plant are presented in this monograph. The first enables districts to appraise the effectiveness of school maintenance programs and plan for future maintenance needs. The eight aspects of maintenance covered relate to the exterior of the building, the interior, special classrooms, the electrical system, the…

Information concerning energy conservation management is presented to aid school administrators in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings and programs. Three general topics are discussed: (1) the general nature and unique characteristics of school energy management; (2) initial steps in developing a conservation program, including…