A program for school districts with central air conditioning and/or high kilowatt demand and low summer occupancy involves custodians from a number of buildings thoroughly cleaning one building, then closing it for the summer. Critical factors of this program are identified. (MLF)

The custodial staffing allocation form contains 40 basic custodial tasks grouped into 23 main tasks that can be used to measure all custodial work load requirements. Savings derived from objective standards for cleaning jobs are estimated to be in excess of 30 percent. (MLF)

Space realignment, renewal, and replacement (SR3) refers to a method for budgeting funds to prevent building deterioration, on the premise that the building itself has an infinite life but certain parts deteriorate or become obsolete as uses change. The process is described as applied to the University of Illinois. (MSE)

A recent survey of 2,000 school superintendents concerning the role, the job, and the status of the superintendent of buildings and grounds in their districts generates uncertainty about whether the status and salary are equal to the responsibility of the position. (Author/MLF)

The second installment in a series of articles discusses the organization, scheduling, authority, and responsibility of an effective school maintenance program. (Author/MLF)

The first logical step in school energy conservation is a review of annual operation and maintenance procedures to identify cost-saving opportunities. (Author/MLF)

Looks at equipment, process, and training aspects of backpack vacuum cleaners that facilitate good ergonomics and high productivity levels, focusing on: designing new equipment for bodies and productivity; creating comfortable backpack harnesses; improving the work process via team training; and providing ergonomic training to ensure that backpack…

Physical facilities represent a substantial investment for institutions of higher education, and the costs for maintenance and operation represent a sizable part of the annual operating budget. Higher education is moving toward a comprehensive form of facilities management to assure that this investment is adequately preserved and effectively…

Recent technological advances in roofing materials and systems provide new options for meeting school reroofing needs. Describes materials, installation methods, and the benefits of engaging a roofing consultant. (MLF)

The higher original cost of standing seam metal roofs is offset by excellent long-term performance. Two reroofing projects offer a comparison of relative operating and maintenance costs. (MLF)

Some school districts have found that maintenance and custodial services can be contracted out with cost-saving results. Contains specific questions to ask potential contractors in order to evaluate contracting for maintenance and custodial services. (MLF)

Numerous studies have reported the deteriorating conditions in school buildings. One of the primary causes of this national problem is lack of proper maintenance of school facilities. Outlines a comprehensive assessment and planning process to provide a district with a road map for making decisions about facility improvement. (MLF)

Provides data on school maintenance and operations (M & O) costs in the United States. Costs are expressed in dollars per student and per square foot. Data show school districts are spending more to maintain and operate their buildings, but M & O budgets are not rising by the same rate. (GR)

Presents 1997 maintenance and operations (M&O) cost summaries from a sampling of chief business officers at public school districts across the United States. Nationally, results show 9.59% of a school district's net current expenditure was appropriated for M&O in the 1996-1997 school year, up slightly from fiscal year 1995-1996. Costs are shown to…

Discusses the top challenges commonly confronted nationwide by college and universities, and similar facilities and businesses. Challenges include construction and repair, funding, housing, auxiliary services, maintenance and operations, marketing and recruiting, security and safety, staff training and retention, and technology. (GR)