An inadequate (although constant) share of funding, a serious accumulation of deferred maintenance, and the decline in constant dollars directed toward physical plants all suggest that the overall higher education enterprise is underfunded. At the expense of future generations, we are spending down the capital asset represented by facilities. (MLW)

A school business official with 14 years of experience in three Michigan districts agreed to join East Grand Rapids School District to help pass a $32 million bond issue for school renovations. To establish credibility in his new district, this official worked hard to communicate effectively, manage competently, and develop a clear vision.…

Describes how educational facility design impacts learning style needs that act as the basis for cognitive learning. Recommends involving cognitive learning specialists, interior environmental planners, and creative engineering personnel in the planning and design process to enhance learning, maximize technology use, and improve educational…

Offers tips on how to find the best lighting solution for school facilities that is also cost effective. Tips include looking for energy-efficient lighting systems that help cut long-term costs; using high-quality lighting that reduces the number of fixtures needed; and considering heating and air-conditioning loads, daylight entering the…

Discusses items that need to be considered when remodeling a school media center. Highlights include space and location for various functions, including projections of print versus electronic media; electrical and data wiring needs; lighting; security and supervision; and reuse of existing furniture and equipment. (LRW)

Discusses how consensus planning encourages group participation and enhances the overall design and construction process. Describes values analysis and ways to include others in examining values, offers step-by-step instructions on how consensus planning works, and provides two examples of consensus planning in action. (RJM)

Describes the use of a comprehensive facilities needs assessment and master plan to help school districts successfully manage increased enrollments and deteriorating facilities. An example of master planning a successful bond issue is provided. (GR)

Discusses eliminating bond issues for facility energy management upgrades by using performance contracting. Explains that performance contracts create savings that help support financing new equipment over a specific number of years. Financing options, performance contracting tips, and an example of its use in St. Louis (Missouri) are highlighted.…

Discusses the electronic retrofitting of educational facilities plumbing systems. Some advantages of an electronic plumbing retrofit are cost, hygiene, water conservation, and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 (ADA) requirements. Issues important to the planning of a successful project are detailed. (RE)

An annual survey of physical plant directors at 2-year colleges and 4-year institutions with no significant graduate programs revealed that spending on maintenance and operations (M & O) as a percentage of total budget dropped to 10 percent from 10.5 percent a year ago. Other survey findings are presented in several data tables. (EV)

Examines some key areas that school administrators need to consider when creating new, or updating old, school spaces for students and staff. Design considerations encompass space management, building flexibility, technology integration, school accessibility to the disabled, sensitivity to the environment, and cost effectiveness. (GR)

Describes a substantial capital improvement campaign at City and Islington College in London, England, a postsecondary education institution spread over 10 sites in the city. Describes the rationale, planning, general design principles, and specifics of the three main projects. (EV)

A conservation program is credited with saving schools $9 million in Portland, Oregon, over the last eight years. Effective retrofits include a computerized energy-management system, new lighting, and credit meters in school sprinkling systems. Teachers incorporate energy conservation into classrooms by encouraging students to conduct energy…

Discusses how to keep school district capital-improvement projects within budget. Examines areas where runaway costs creep into a project and ways of cutting or lessening these costs, such as using standard agreements, controlling architect's expense reimbursements, developing a quality-control process, and reducing document duplication. (GR)

Discusses one architectural design firm's answer to designing educational facilities that can grow and change with the times using technology and space planning. Design ideas for libraries/media centers and mini-labs are discussed. The concept emphasizes flexibility in giving teachers a wide range of options in conducting their classes and…