School districts are being overcharged by allowing closed roof specifications written by a single manufacturer of roofing materials. Cites examples from two Michigan school districts. Advises school districts how to choose a roofing consultant. (MLF)

Discusses how a recent New York State Supreme Court decision ordering the repair of all facilities within the New York City School system could have far-reaching implications for other districts. The school system's history of school building neglect that prompted the Court's decision and the decision's effect are examined as are similar…

Discusses how creative planning can help schools to keep washroom traffic moving, deter vandalism, and reduce maintenance. (EV)

Outlines the cost-saving decisions made by an Oregon school district as it faced a decreasing student population over the past 10 years. The district developed a resource management system that involved all levels of management, including the school board. (MD)

An interview with the director of buildings and grounds for the Massapequa (New York) Public Schools, Emanual (Manny) Calligeros, reveals a new kind of physical plant administrator who can organize a maintenance and operations budget, evaluate and train personnel, analyze energy use, and negotiate contracts. (Author/MLF)

Computerization of custodial services can save school administrators time and money. Four basic reports that should be developed from microcomputer software packages are outlined. (MLF)

Suggests measures for New Jersey schools to take to decrease building water consumption by 25 per cent during the present state water shortage. Appended is a short list of water conservation instructional materials intended to supplement a bibliography published in the February, 1981 issue of this magazine (pp15-16). (SJL)

The director of facilities at a prestigious 75-year-old Delaware school located an easy-to-implement software program to computerize the schools's physical-plant system. The right software helps facilities managers oversee schools' physical plants, including budgeting and maintenance. (MLF)

After a study of 3,000 classrooms in 130 schools in 16 states, the Environmental Protection Agency urged all schools to conduct tests for radon. Explains a 6-step screening test, methods of reducing radon concentrations, and how the risk from radon exposure compares with other risks. (MLF)

School systems should test the air in every school building for the presence and level of contaminants such as radon and asbestos and whether the ventilation system is circulating the proper amount of air. Periodic maintenance is required for all mechanical systems. (MLF)

Analyzes information on 1,056 (61 percent) of the 1,721 Georgia public school buildings concerning the relationships among roof age, roof types, and roof problems. (17 references) (MLF)

With the increasing focus on educational facilities, facilities managers are experiencing heightened scrutiny over their roles. This report examines the kinds of questions that school board members, superintendents, and administrators are asking facilities managers and the possible consequences of this new attention, such as more outsourcing. (RJM)

Presents survey data on school maintenance and operations (M & O) budgets that show school districts nationwide are allocating, for the second year in a row, a smaller proportion of their budgets to preserve and run their facilities. M & O comparable cost-data are listed on a per-student and per-building square-footage basis for nine…

Presents survey data on school maintenance and operations (M & O) budgets that show colleges are addressing facilities concerns by increasing M & O funding. M & O comparative-cost data are listed on a per-full-time student and per-building square-footage basis for all colleges, and two- and four-year schools. M & O administrative…

This manual presents practical methods and procedures to help school custodians ensure safe, functioning facilities and to reflect the district's standards. The guide begins with brief discussions of custodial organization, staff relationships, and maintenance staff. The section "Job Descriptions by Titles" lists functions of custodial positions.…