General and special purpose database programs are appropriate for inventory control at the school building level. A fixed asset equipment inventory example illustrates the feasibility of computerized inventory control. (MLF)

An inventory control system stimulates competitive bidding, resulting in the best price for an item. Other cost savings can be achieved by specifying prepayment of freight charges by the successful bidder, seeking standardization of products, and purchasing jointly with nearby municipalities and school districts. (Author/MLF)

Presents a six-part facilities-management strategy to assess the condition of facilities to develop realistic budgets for operations, maintenance, code and access upgrades, and capacity expansion. (MLF)

Numerous studies have reported the deteriorating conditions in school buildings. One of the primary causes of this national problem is lack of proper maintenance of school facilities. Outlines a comprehensive assessment and planning process to provide a district with a road map for making decisions about facility improvement. (MLF)

The South Carolina Building Quality Survey Project that helped institutions and state agencies determine need for renovations and priorities for renovation is described, along with the resulting procedures manual. Evaluation forms are included. (MSE)

The actual facilities audit begins with the physical analysis of each selected building. A building is separated into four physical categories: primary structure, secondary structure, service systems, and safety standards. (Author/MLF)

Provides and details a 10-point checklist for better resource management that includes hardware and software inventory and maintenance. (MLF)

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…

Describes a planning process designed to (1) establish building maintenance priorities in a systematic and equitable manner, (2) include all knowledgable school system personnel in the process, and (3) develop a five-year building renewal plan. (MLF)

A preventive maintenance system provides for the monitoring and inspection of school building elements in a programmed way through an automatic checklist. Utility cost savings are expected along with reduction of travel and wait time, and measurable standards of performance for all maintenance and repair work. (MLF)

Guidelines are offered for setting priorities on neglected maintenance deficiencies: breaking down the aspects of buildings into various categories, and weightings within these categories; conducting a campus audit; and convincing the administration that the maintenance work recommended is vital to the institution's continued operation.…

Many districts are holding property that could be put to better use. With a creative strategy for planning, analyzing, and implementing a plan for these public properties, local boards and administrators can uncover hidden value in their real estate assets. California's Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District now receives $500,000 a year in…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" discusses the effective management of purchasing processes in a school district. These processes include obtaining materials, supplies, and equipment of maximum value for the least expense, and receiving, storing, and distributing the items obtained. The chapter opens with an overview of…

The furniture and equipment inventory system of the Montgomery County Public Schools is examined in this report. Following a summary, comments provided by the Office of the Associate Superintendent for Supportive Services relating to recommendations made in the report are presented. The first chapter provides an introduction, background, program…

Emory University, Georgia, has a space and equipment database management system that maintains inventories and generates reports. (MLF)