Describes a technique developed over the last 15 years in conjunction with South Carolina school districts to help them set priorities when addressing school building needs. Identifies five factors that are used to measure the overall impact of an individual facilities project in relation to other projects, thereby ranking projects according to an…

Media Services at the University of California at Santa Cruz has developed standard media packages defining the audiovisual and presentation support available in a classroom. Describes the process of developing classroom equipment standards, three classroom packages, and a movable cart used to enhance the smaller packages. Lists the equipment for…

In 1995, the Indiana Legislature deregulated state controls over public-school construction projects by reducing the status of required specifications to guidelines. Also, local taxpayers were given greater authority to prevent proposed projects. This study examines the short-term effects of this policy shift. (Contains 5 tables and 16…

This case study describes the planning, funding, and implementation of a complete data-wiring renovation at the University of California, Santa Cruz library. Highlights include design principles; project schedule; benefits for staff's electronic mail and network use and for upgraded public terminals; and the importance of planning and…

Describes the rebuilding process undertaken by Georgetown Visitation, an all-girls high school in Washington, DC, which was partially destroyed in a 1993 fire. Details features of the new building. Indicates that the new building includes voice, video, and data capabilities in classrooms; a new computer lab; complete Internet access; library-based…

Discusses the implementation of Total Quality Leadership (TQL) at Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) in Wisconsin. Identifies 12 quality components of FVTC's everyday operations and management. Highlights improvements in placement rates, student retention, employee satisfaction, accountability, and costs attributable to TQL. Underscores the…

School districts across the country are taking measures in the design and renovation of school buildings that will protect students and staff members. Exterior and interior design possibilities are listed. Schools are also advised to have a districtwide crisis intervention plan, a school safety plan, and an annual safety audit. (MLF)

Maryland provides funds for systemic renovation projects that are infrastructure improvements in public schools. State funds are provided on a sliding scale based on the age of the system being replaced and the wealth of the school district. (MLF)

This excerpt from "Managing the Facilities Portfolio: A Practical Approach to Institutional Renewal and Deferred Maintenance" offers higher education business officers a conceptual framework comprising four steps: (1) establish baseline; (2) estimate needs; (3) compare model alternatives; and (4) report to management. (DB)

Presents discussions on the top 10 issues facing colleges and universities in 1998 and beyond. Issues include the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, new construction and renovation in response to facility demands, facility maintenance within tightening budgets, energy costs, school funding needs in the face of rising enrollment,…

Discusses the changes in today's schools resulting from the growth of information technology and community needs. Examines how some school districts are responding to the technological retrofit issue; looks at the challenges they face in placing technology in the classroom, allocating space, and building flexibility into the school. Highlighted…

Costs that may increase the original school construction estimates include school-design inefficiency, architect fees, and costs for land, site development, technology, demolition, consultants, and security. A quality-review team can plan to avoid hidden costs and ensure that the new facility will meet instructional needs at the least possible…

Presents educational facility citation award winners of the American School and University Interiors Showcase for design of common areas, classrooms, libraries and media centers, and cafeterias/food service. The architectural firm responsible is listed for each entry as are the square footage involved, costs, completion date, and a brief…

Change must be personally relevant, beneficial, clearly defined and believed to be achievable. To renovate school facilities, several steps are necessary: identifying future trends and making them personally applicable, establishing a realistic vision, creating functional facility goals, seeing the building as an empty shell, and considering…

Provides an overview of the program on 'Environment and School Initiatives' (ENSI). Argues that ENSI's agenda radically differs from a school improvement agenda based on economic assumptions. Examines 'sustainable development' in the light of these two agendas. Identifies trends with different conceptions of environmental education for sustainable…