The 2014 edition of "Financial Accounting for Local and State School Systems" updates the 2009 (see ED505993) and 2003 editions of the handbook. The 2003 edition was the work of the NCES National Forum on Education Statistics, Core Finance Data Task Force. That task force systematically rewrote nearly the entire text, incorporating new…

Air pollution is air pollution, indoors or out. Good indoor air quality (IAQ) contributes to a favorable learning environment for students, protects health, and supports the productivity of school personnel. In schools in poor repair, leaky roofs and crumbling walls have caused additional indoor air quality problems, including contamination with…

This document provides a framework of guiding principles and general steps addressing the construction of safer and more disaster resilient education facilities. It is aimed to be adapted to the local context and used to develop a context-specific plan to address a critical gap to reaching the Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

This article is part of a series that has offered insight on planning a facilities project, hiring professionals, delivery system options and owner's responsibilities. In this article, the author focuses on some of the planning and design concepts one may be asked to consider in providing direction to his design and construction team. These…

Offers seven tips for finding and working with an effective glass contractor. For example, schools should consider the company's reputation and longevity of service, and whether it has in-house engineering capabilities. (EV)

Explains that favorable market and working conditions influence the scheduling of school construction projects. Facility planners, architects, and contractors are advised to develop a realistic time schedule for the entire project. (MLF)

Using simple materials, bold colors, and an exterior that complements its surroundings, this earthquake-proof school (enrollment: 460) cost $2.8 million. It has received numerous awards and enthusiastic response from administrators, teachers, students, and the community. (PB)

Describes the change order process in building construction, some of the reasons for such changes in the contract, the pitfalls of the process, and the ramifications of cost determination and time related factors. (MLF)

Explains the owner-contractor relationship of construction management and the time and budgeting advantages it offers public educational agencies by dealing with only one firm. (MLF)

Discusses Emory University's (Georgia) library addition that was designed and constructed to bridge a ravine while connecting with its tall concrete neighbor. Examines a design that physically mitigated vast differences in structural height while redirecting attention towards the original quadrangle and integrating multiple library functions into…

This handbook presents guidelines on the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of building operations over the life of a building to assist school districts and consultants with evaluating proposed educational facility construction projects. It defines the terminology found in an LCCA, such as initial and future expenses, residual value, real discount…

This publication explores the things school principals should know when construction takes place in or near the school building while school is in session. It covers pre-construction preparation, including how to work with architects/engineers and other school staff, and actions to take during construction, including proper information…

Construction procedures are explained and suggestions offered concerning the responsibility of the owner-representative to provide supervision of an educational facility construction. Daily supervision is necessary to ensure completion of the project on time and within the budget of the owner. (MLF)

Spokane (Washington) School District No. 81 has replaced 12 obsolete elementary schools and enlarged a thirteenth. A design competition involving three consortia of 10 local architectural firms and the use of a prototype design for all 12 new schools saved the school district about $8 million from the original estimate. (MLF)