Back in 1988, Emmett, Idaho, built the first monolithic dome school. Now, school boards in Arizona, Missouri, Florida, Minnesota, and New Mexico are among those that have voted to build domed school buildings. A monolithic dome is a steel- reinforced, concrete structure with a smooth, round surface that is inspired by the shape of an egg. (MLF)

Discusses project-delivery systems in school-construction management and why its important to both scheduling and budgeting to choose the right system. Examines design-build, construction management at-risk, and design-bid/build variations. Also discusses study data of quantitative costs, scheduling, and quality performance involving 351 building…

Examines ways to extend the life of middle-aged school buildings when new construction budgets are lacking and renovation funds are scarce. Explains the importance of and provides guidance for making an objective school facility assessment, including assessing the building's purpose, technology requirements, and heating and air conditioning…

Describes 12 current trends in education that may have a significant impact on long-range plans for school construction and remodeling. Offers suggestions to help ensure that facilities plans accommodate these trends. (PKP)

Describes partnership between public and private sectors to build an elementary school in Abbotsford, British Columbia, including the context, the participants, the school, special features of the partnership, the financing, the nature of the relationship, an evaluation by the major partners, and lessons learned and questions raised. Includes five…

Describes benefits of using the performance contract for capital-improvement projects. (PKP)

When students think about the obstacles they must overcome to get into a school, most probably are thinking in terms of SATs, ACTs or other entrance exams. However, for students with disabilities, the obstacles they face often are literal ones: manual doors. Accommodating those with disabilities or physical limitations is one reason for schools to…

In 2007, schools and universities allocated billions of dollars to build education facilities. Responsible administrators strive to spend those funds wisely, but over the years, educators and community members have not always agreed on what constitutes wise spending. In the Baby Boom years, the accelerating demand for space led many schools and…

Across the U.S., thousands of schools and universities are in the midst of construction projects that can stall because of unanticipated obstacles. The resulting delays can cause budget contingencies to evaporate and force students and staff in desperate need of more space to bide their time in cramped and inadequate facilities. Problems are bound…

This strategy brief presents general principles and strategies for financing facility improvements and highlights five examples of innovative strategies found throughout the United States. The strategies described concern facility improvements for out-of-school time and community school programs and include the following: (1) accessing school…

This report presents case studies illustrating successful public-private financing of school construction. The efforts occurred in Canada, Florida, South Carolina, New York, the District of Columbia, and Texas. The case studies are offered to encourage policy makers in Virginia to consider such an approach to meet the state's school construction…

This paper addresses the difficulties that many school districts face when implementing educational technology throughout aging educational facilities and illustrates one school district's solution. Construction problems found and solved in the renovation process are discussed including issues surrounding equipment purchasing. Photos are provided.…

The Los Angeles Public School District is experiencing considerable overcrowding and deterioration of its public schools without adequate funding or planning to build new ones. This document presents the recommendations of a task force that assessed the district's public school crisis in the following areas: school maintenance; new facilities…

This report examines how an integrated design of the educational program and a school facility that responds to the economic, environmental, and social needs of a community create sustainable schools. It explores the effect buildings have on the earth's natural resources, the steps districts can take toward sustainable school design during…

Describes the history of Alaska's extensive school construction project, which offers many of the state's 11,000-plus rural students their first opportunity to attend high school in their home villages. Geographic, technological, and cultural differences from the continental United States have made Alaska's system of secondary education unique.…