Examples of inservice programs and procedures at two hypothetical high schools reveal the principal's true role in promoting positive change through staff development. With school improvement at stake, the principal must concentrate on commitment, collaboration, communication, and coordination. (MLH)

Illustrates how Mount Saint Vincent University (Halifax), by upgrading the control and monitoring of one building or section of the school at a time, could produce savings in energy and operating costs and improve the environment. Explains a gradual, "building block" approach to facility automation that provides flexibility without a…

Discusses the trend toward smaller college residence halls and their amenities as a means of attracting students to live on campus. Provides data from the 9th Annual Residence Hall Construction Report that assessed average college and university residence hall construction costs and types of amenities offered, and presents examples of new…

Discusses the planning process of renewing old school facilities through the imaginative use of a district's existing resources. The following five planning and implementation steps are examined: the evaluation of existing resources; reconfirming the district's educational philosophy; compiling key facility program information; recognizing the…

Explains how the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools used budget management and community support in successfully building new facilities and preparing the district for expanding instructional technology programs and providing new ones. An overview of the Nashville Public School district is presented along with data on how the district divides…

Discusses the areas to consider when renovating a school to enhance student learning and achievement. The following areas are covered: structural condition, environmental quality, size and capacity, safety and security, site location, and symbolic value and aesthetics. (GR)

Summarizes selected data on capital-outlay estimates for future public school construction in the United States revealing a 12.7% increase in capital outlays for public schools over 1997-98. A brief overview of regional construction for 1997 and comments on school funding are also presented. Information on where to get the full report is provided.…

Examines the process of designing a track and field facility to ensure better results in field efficiency. Each of the planning and design, schematic, and construction phases are discussed. Safety factors to consider are also highlighted, as are track-surface options, barriers, and drainage considerations. (GR)

Details recommendations for updating or constructing nurses' offices based upon a descriptive study done in one midwestern school district. Suggestions are provided on size, location, and equipment needed. Also addressed is the communication process needed to persuade a board of education and school administrators that nursing facilities must be a…

Explores how various school districts assessed and decided on whether to reinvest in expanding old schools or construct new ones. The balancing between school enrollments, construction versus renovation costs, and varying community support are discussed. (GR)

Describes how school districts can use performance contracting to help save energy dollars without sacrificing efficiency or comfort. In performance contracting, building improvements and upgrades are installed without using funds from the current budget. Money saved in future energy bills is then used to pay for the project. (RJM)

Describes innovative strategies that schools and universities are using to save money and reshape operations. Focuses on ideas in energy efficiency and facilities improvement, direct purchasing, energy management, retrofitting buildings, ceiling insulation upgrades, automation systems, electric demand programs, facilities programs, warranty…

Describes one school's successful classroom-renovation project that included staff input from the earliest stages of the renovation planning, as well as education of community members about the issues involved. Barriers to successful renovations are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses the court-ordered, multibillion-dollar infusion of funds to New Jersey cities for improving their school facilities and whether these additional funds will cause an urban renaissance. Some examples of New Jersey urban school facility needs are highlighted. (GR)

Vanderbilt University opted to revamp its historic residences, built in the 1920s and 1930s, rather than build new ones. Structural and life-safety deficiencies were corrected. Every one of the halls is accessible to disabled visitors and accommodates disabled residents. (MLF)