Discusses the selection process when using outside professionals for school construction projects. The drawbacks of using competitive bidding for professional services are highlighted followed by tips on using a qualifications-based selection method that includes work-experience evaluation and conducting interviews for professional services. (GR)

A construction method in which the successful bidding team has the single point responsibility for fulfilling the contract in every way can provide high quality educational space at less cost and in less time. The advantages and disadvantages are described. (Author/MLF)

From 90 projects identified for the study, survey responses were received from 85 percent of the superintendents and 60 percent of the architects ranking 12 categories of conflict both according to the severity of the conflict and as causing the deterioration of the working relationship. (MLF)

School officials must be aware of their own and others' influences on the cost of constructing a school facility. Administrators' responsibilities include investigating the architect's reputation for performance and adhering to a clearly defined educational program. (MLF)

Construction management--the control of cost and time from concept through construction--grew out of a need to meet the realities of today's economy. A checklist of services a construction manager provides is presented. (Author/MLF)

Examines the changing trends in organization, and school and class size designed to improve student learning and achievement. Discusses rising trends in public school enrollment rates and the cost of new schools needed to accommodate these numbers. (GR)

Describes construction process principles and discusses problems school owners experience: (1) laws that require selection of the lowest bidder, (2) decisions that must be made by the duly elected governing body, and (3) school board members who often lack knowledge about the construction process. Includes a quiz for owners and attorneys. (MLF)

Five major sources of construction disputes between architects and school clients are (1) errors, defects, or omissions in the contract documents; (2) cost-related problems; (3) changed conditions; (4) consumer reaction; and (5) interpersonal relationships. A clear understanding of each party's role is necessary to eliminate these conflicts. (MLF)

Conflict often occurs between architects and superintendents during the school building process. Expanding the "Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect, "provided by the American Institute of Architects, to include terms written specifically for the protection of the owner can help resolve such conflict. (MLF)