Contends that schools should be remodeled and new schools built so that they are child-oriented and aesthetically stimulating, as well as ecologically sound and educational in and of themselves. (EV)

Discusses how the Burnsville (Minnesota) expanded its high school classroom space by buying a shopping mall and converting it into classrooms. Renovation costs and classroom layout are briefly discussed; a floor plan is included. (GR)

Discusses the development of a planning symposium as a means of getting community involvement for building a community recreation center. The steps in creating and managing a planning symposium are examined, including tips on agenda development. (GR)

Examines the difficulties the electric industry's deregulation created for St. Joseph's University's (Philadelphia) development of a thermal ice-storage system as part of its HVAC design and the school's solution. A monthly equipment summary sheet with year-to-date figures is provided. (GR)

Presents an interview with architect and educational planner Bruce Jilk, who responds to American Institute of Architects conference attendees' questions concerning how school design is changing and why the next 10 years are critical. (GR)

Discusses what three college facility directors did to solve their departmental space problems by watching for opportunities to acquire and tailor new office and shop areas, identifying possibilities, and carefully timing their requests for approval. Facility department descriptions are included. (GR)

Follows the Longview Community College Liberal Arts (Kansas City) building project from commission to occupancy. Areas examined include needs validation, Americans with Disabilities accessibility and building system requirements, and project scheduling. (GR)

Discusses how the Pomona School District (California), an urban area facing a shortage of available real estate, purchased and renovated part of a retail complex into an elementary school. (GR)

Examines the prevailing definitions and responsibilities of product, network, and system integrators for building automation systems; offers a novel approach to system integration; and sets realistic expectations for the owner in terms of benefits, outcomes, and overall values. (EV)

Offers suggestions on choosing modular space for schools. Advice is provided based on school needs: (1) How soon is the space needed? Is there a crisis situation or time to plan? (2) How much flexibility is needed for relocation? and (3) What are the financing issues? Is it better to buy or lease? (EV)

Discusses Corning, Inc.'s relationship with the surrounding community and the problem that arose when a large Corning-backed campus-style high school was proposed that brought objections from many local residents. (GR)

Describes cooperative effort between Association of School Business Officials, International and National Forum on Education Statistics to develop a guide to facilities maintenance planning, to be completed in 2 years, for use by local school districts. (PKP)

School districts operate under bidding laws that, in many cases, restrict the flexibility they have in pre-qualifying contractors and limit choices in project-delivery methods. Because the legal impediments imposed on school districts are not likely to change, it is essential that institutions focus on more effective planning and troubleshooting.…

The California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) recognizes the importance of educational centers as a cost-effective means for meeting increased student demand. Educational centers are an economical way of serving a region's educational needs because they often involve collaboration and shared facility use with high schools, university…

At the 2007 Thought Leaders Symposium, representatives from student affairs, academic affairs, and administration joined facilities leaders to consider three major challenges confronting higher education as a whole: evolving technology, changing stakeholder expectations, and the impact of competition on both those drivers of change. This report…