Statistics reveal that slightly more educational construction was completed in 1976 than in 1975. New construction declined slightly, but modernizations were up in value. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the role that architecture has played in distinguishing, harboring, and facilitating public education in America over the last 200 years. It reveals how population growth, educational policy, and community preferences have caused the one-room schoolhouse to evolve to meet changing needs. (GR)

Many libraries have noise problems that can't be fixed with ceiling and carpet treatments, physical arrangement, or sound barriers. This study at Henderson Community College (Henderson KY) attempted to confirm results from an earlier study suggesting that reducing light levels led to reduced noise. The data showed mixed results, but overall the…

Describes how educators and parents in a property poor school district implemented a successful middle school plan (raising students' achievement levels, attendance records, and affective development) in the face of economic recession, increased taxes, and school budget cuts in the economically depressed city of Rochester, New Hampshire. (SR)

Describes the seven library buildings named as winners by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) that include four new facilities, one conversion of a warehouse building to library use, and two renovations. Public, school, and university libraries are included. (LRW)

After 20 years of inadequate heating and cooling, an Indiana school district took advantage of a 1994 state law that allows school districts to bypass the "low-bidder wins" restriction. The district established a guaranteed energy-saving contract for a climate-control-improvements package to retrofit the junior-senior high school. (MLF)

Addresses four questions regarding implementation of a long-term capital plan to manage a college's facilities portfolio: When should the projects be implemented? How should the capital improvements be implemented? What will it actually cost in terms of project costs as well as operating costs? Who will implement the plan? (EV)

A major research university in a metropolitan location reexamines its sense of campus community and discovers that it should not approach living and learning as separate activities; the institution purposely used extensive housing construction and renovation to achieve the institution's educational mission and encourage a greater sense of…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all school programs be accessible. School districts can make informed decisions about what and where to make ADA renovations by consulting with knowledgeable contractors and architects. Experts recommend that districts do what is doable and affordable now. Cites information sources. (MLF)

A school expansion project should be carefully orchestrated with following steps: compiling list of everyone's perceived needs; determining what is affordable; developing program of requirements; developing a master plan; and overseeing the process. Case studies of two New York State schools (one urban and one suburban) illustrate how the location…

Replies to E. A. Hanushek's questioning of the validity of meta-analysis as used by the authors in analyzing resource allocation and its effects on improving student academic performance. Statistical analysis procedures are examined. (GLR)

An informal survey of 20 major urban school districts found that 40% were currently operating in a "break down" maintenance mode. A majority, 57.9%, also indicated they saw considerable benefits in contracting for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance services with outside firms. Offers guidelines in selecting…

Presents data from the American School & University's annual Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Cost Study for the 1997-98 school year. Data include trends in building-operations-staff salaries and M&O costs expressed in dollars per student and per square foot. Results indicate an underfunding of M&O that may not provide students…

Explains the importance of using geothermal systems to reduce energy costs and improve heating and cooling in multipurpose schools. What geothermal systems are and their benefits in simplifying the school infrastructure and streamlining operating costs are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses the myriad of challenges facing urban schools and the problems their districts must struggle through in finding solutions. The severity of these problems, such as additional facility demand, school deterioration, increasing rates of school takeovers, and tight budgets are described. (GR)