A principle responsibility of a board member is to understand the environment in which his or her institution operates. Today, that environment includes a host of legal risks that every institution of higher education must be prepared to assess and proactively address. Colleges and universities work to contain and manage those risks through such…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

This handbook presents guidelines on the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of building operations over the life of a building to assist school districts and consultants with evaluating proposed educational facility construction projects. It defines the terminology found in an LCCA, such as initial and future expenses, residual value, real discount…

This publication explores the things school principals should know when construction takes place in or near the school building while school is in session. It covers pre-construction preparation, including how to work with architects/engineers and other school staff, and actions to take during construction, including proper information…

The U.S. Department of Energy's Rebuild America EnergySmart Schools program provides school boards, administrators, and design staff with guidance to help make informed decisions about energy and environmental issues important to school systems and communities. "The National Best Practices Manual for Building High Performance Schools" is a part of…

This document presents a sample request for proposal that Arizona school districts can use when requesting architectural services, from the general request requirements to response information and signature sheet. General proposal requirements cover such areas as information on special terms and conditions, the scope of architectural services…

These guidelines highlight some important administrative and legal aspects of school construction projects (particularly under Alaskan law) and propose ways to address these issues during the process of selecting and contracting with school architects. The document first emphasizes the role of the architect, then reviews activities that should…

This guide addresses the most common considerations when building school facilities in Kentucky. Included are the regulations for the Capital Construction Process, the Kentucky Department of Education's Project Review Process, and a suggested document filing system. Additionally, it features common questions and answers regarding the Kentucky…

This publication recommends that school districts include a legal plan in every school construction project. The author discusses negotiating agreements with the project architect and construction manager early on; exercising due diligence in selecting the project team; determining proper levels of professional liability insurance; clarifying…

This New York State Education Department bulletin provides guidelines and information on determining state building aid for public school construction pursuant to New York State Education Law: section 3602(6)(1) & (2). Guidelines address state building aid's purpose, eligibility, and formula for aid estimation. Included are guidelines on…

When students think about the obstacles they must overcome to get into a school, most probably are thinking in terms of SATs, ACTs or other entrance exams. However, for students with disabilities, the obstacles they face often are literal ones: manual doors. Accommodating those with disabilities or physical limitations is one reason for schools to…

This document offers guidance in the accommodation needs for teaching the sciences in secondary education, either through new construction or the adaptation of existing buildings. Section 1 outlines the range of spaces usually required and examines planning options in new and adapted departments. Section 2 describes the planning of an individual…

This booklet provides best practice recommendations for building functional and frugal schools in Florida. Seventeen best practice construction recommendations are addressed, including recommendations for sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, wood and plastics, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, equipment, furnishings,…

A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Since building designers play a key role in the school construction process, it is important they be selected based on qualifications, level of service, and ability to work with education professionals. This report provides guidance to boards of education, superintendents, and other school administrators in this selection process. A methodology is…