Describes the many sources of data available to school districts for enrollment planning and suggests a way to use them in planning new facilities. Among the sources cited are census data; building permits; migration; and surveys of districts, utilities, and residences. (MLF)

A school business administrator should be equipped to lead a district facility planning effort. Describes the processes of demographic planning, facility assessing, long-range financial facility plan budgeting, and aligning the facility plan with the district strategic plan. (MLF)

Contends that preparation programs in educational administration usually do not directly cover facility planning or construction, or the assessment and maintenance of existing facilities. Suggests areas to be addressed in an educational facilities planning course. (12 references) (MLF)

Planners of a new Arizona school used the district's existing computerized master scheduling program to identify instructional spaces needed. Total classroom needs by subject were translated into total square footage requirements. (MLF)

Provides a process model for developing educational specifications--precise statements of activities, curriculum, and functions that a proposed school building will house--and highlights specific requirements and features. A graph and a relationship matrix illustrate the process. Includes 12 references. (MLF)

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…