Honors administrators spend much of their time explaining and describing what honors is and does. When they talk about what honors looks like nationally, they should have answers to the following important questions: How pervasive is the model of separate honors facilities?; How pervasive are the legendary closets that honors programs have so…

Schools and universities across the United States have been forced to cope with a grim financial situation that has left them without adequate resources. Administrators are cutting programs, reining in salaries and jettisoning employees to keep operating budgets in line. Education institutions also have had to shutter facilities or postpone,…

It wasn't that long ago that when education architects and administrators raised the notion of green construction or sustainable-design strategies, they were met with head scratches and raised eyebrows. But in 2009, the energy-saving, water-conserving, environmentally friendly philosophies championed by those in the vanguard of the green schools…

The nation's major city public school districts have substantial construction, renovation, modernization, and deferred maintenance needs because of the age and size of their school buildings, shifting populations, and the need to devote substantial resources to instructional personnel to meet their core academic mission. For instance, the average…

Building energy-efficient school facilities is not just about being "green." It is about providing high-performance facilities that are safe, healthy, and conducive to learning. It is also about building facilities that are cost-effective from their inception and in the long term. Many school districts are working under ever-tightening…

This report describes new and innovative approaches to school facilities as they relate to their communities by exploring the trends towards smaller schools, presenting the pros and cons of smaller schools, and examining the solutions and strategies in smart growth planning. The report addresses the following questions: if school leaders,…

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…

Confusion and frustration can often accompany local school boards of education and facilities designers who attempt to meet classroom facilities needs pursuant to North Carolina legislative requirements when building or renovating schools. This booklet identifies a number of procedures, regulations, and agencies associated with the construction of…

This publication discusses those factors that must be recognized during the process of school site selection, planning, development, and use within North Carolina. Issues discussed in the site selection process include the technical requirements when selecting a school site, such as topography and drainage, access and traffic, security and safety,…

North Carolina school districts thinking about building new educational facilities are legislatively required to conduct an analysis that compares the costs and feasibility of building the new building versus renovating an old building. This document contains the cost and feasibility forms suggested for use in this analysis. The forms provide a…

This document presents a complete list of school construction projects, as of 1972, so that designers, educators, and interested citizens can visit or otherwise be aware of particular efforts in their district and elsewhere in North Carolina. Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings are included. Each offering provides the floor plan,…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1981, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1986, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years , as of 1993, representing a wide range of educational…

The State of North Carolina has developed a planning guide for those in the process of building, enlarging, or renovating school facilities. This guide defines and describes the educational spaces needed to support a modern, comprehensive educational program and sets minimal standards for the types and sizes of spaces required. It serves as a…