School districts during 1980-81 again incurred maintenance and operations cost increases at a higher rate than inflation. Data from individual school districts are divided into 10 geographical regions for computation of regional averages. The districts are also divided into seven size categories that do not reflect regional influences. (Author/MLF)

Two surveys of Drexel University (Pennsylvania) students (n=204) investigated responses to a strike by campus janitorial and maintenance workers, with results analyzed in the context of media coverage. Evaluations of arguments made by the adversaries, impact of the strike on students, and perceptions of one side or the other as "winning"…

College facilities management offers a wide variety of job opportunities and generally provides as lucrative benefits as are available to top college administrators and professors, usually without a need for advanced degrees. There are three primary career areas (engineering, architectural, business management) but a wide array of opportunities…

Outlines some of the myriad factors affecting a facility's indoor air quality (IAQ). Offers strategies for addressing complaints, establishing trust, adjusting guidelines, addressing legislative concerns, and plotting a course for improved IAQ. Describes how one state was able to implement an IAQ program for its schools. (RJM)

Discusses the top challenges commonly confronted nationwide by school districts districts, facilities, and business. Challenges include construction and repair, enrollment, funding, security and safety, technology, maintenance, staff training and retention, and unfunded mandates. (GR)

North Chicago, Illinois, District 187, received a districtwide overhaul of lighting, heating, ventilation, and security systems through a 10-year performance contract with the Honeywell Corporation. The Briarcliff Manor Union-Free School District, New York, has a contract with Johnson Controls that guarantees a portion of the energy savings…

Defines the current core benchmarking and best practices information objective of the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers for sharing benchmarking and best practices information to K-12 facility managers. A summary is presented on implementation strategies designed to assist K-12 facility managers in utilizing this information. (GR)

The implications of the Britain's Jarratt Committee study of efficiency in selected universities and the politics underlying the study are examined and criticized as self-serving. (MSE)

Factors in college plant and equipment management that have evolved in the last few decades are identified. Possible approaches for institutions to take in short-range and long-range planning for them, including financial quantification techniques and administrative structures and procedures, are suggested. (MSE)

Capital resource management seeks the most effective and efficient use of an institution's capital resources for maximum benefit to all programs at the least possible cost. The administrative functions, management tools, and the cyclical process of the system are listed. The use of microcomputers is recommended for data processing. (MLF)

The challenge confronting colleges and universities in the 1980s is seen as establishing physical planning processes designed to promote and demonstrate the efficiency of reclamation of resources to provide an enhanced physical environment for the academic program. Rehabilitation studies, space use, land use, codes, and regulations are discussed.…

Comprehensive facilities management is seen as becoming an important factor in higher education. Alternatives to new construction exist in the form of rehabilitation and renovation; deferred maintenance must be addressed and gradually reduced; better use of space must occur through diversion of surplus space, increased utilization, and…

Three school officials explain why their districts recognize that facilities management requires district-level oversight by trained personnel. Beyond maintenance and construction, facilities managers serve as district experts on risk management and student safety. (MLF)

Most school systems can cut the costs of many of their programs and operations and thereby save an imperiled program or uncover funding for new or expanded programs. Presents examples of creative cost-cutting in plant operations and maintenance, administration, employee benefits, transportation, and teacher employment. (MLF)

Offers suggestions for preventive maintenance of school facilities. Argues that Catholic schools are often allowed to crumble due to the focus on excellence in education, as well as a lack of attention to the physical elements of buildings. Asserts that complete school stewardship includes maintenance of the physical asset. Contains example of a…