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)

Clarifies the duties of participants in school construction, defines terms, and covers scope of contract administration and its legal implications. (MLF)

A construction manager can relieve administrators of much of their uncertainty in building or renovating schools in the areas of scheduling, quality, and costs. (MLF)

These guidelines present optional strategies to be considered in designing schools to be more energy efficient and sustainable. The guidelines are organized by the following design and construction process: site selection; selection of A & E design team; programming and goal setting; schematic design; design development; construction…

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,…

Declining physical conditions of school buildings, overcrowding, and lack of electrical systems to support new technology are rampant in schools throughout the United States, particularly in schools that can least afford to correct these problems. This document addresses the question of why school condition needs to be addressed, the major causes…

This publication is intended to help California school officials and planners create school buildings that provide environments needed for the operation of an outstanding program of public education. It encourages them to visit the schools presented and similar ones in order to become informed about new planning concepts and trends in school…

This guide provides assistance to key personnel charged with developing an independent school construction process in New South Wales (Australia). The guide's eight booklets emphasize the importance of master plans; encourage cooperation of school staff, boards, and the surrounding community in building schools; and outline the planning process…

An Educational Specification Committee was convened to determine the design specifications required for a new middle school in Roseville, California's Dry Creek District. This report presents revisions to an earlier document that examined school room specifications for each grade level and administrative area. Specification considerations are…

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…

Tornadoes are a very real threat to many schools. Planners should be aware of a number of design and construction considerations that will help to insure safe spaces for school children and other occupants. (Author/MLF)

An independent consultant retained for a school building project will monitor, troubleshoot, and see that the proper project management is being performed by the architect, engineer, and contractor. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the experiences of one Oklahoma school district's efforts to successfully address the expansion and renovation challenges of its highly diverse school system. Emphasizes the importance of gaining community support. (GR)

Presents a detailed list of awards for elementary and secondary school facility designs across the United States. Awardees include entire new facilities, additions, new construction, renovations, and projects in progress. Each entry contains name and location of the school, design architects, and a description of the facility. (GR)