The quality of a school building plays a critical role in student academic achievement as well as teacher retention. Yet, the majority of U.S. public schools are in poor physical condition, and nearly one-quarter are overcrowded, pressuring school systems to invest in both improving existing facilities and adding new facilities to accommodate…

Earthquakes are a perpetual threat to California's school buildings. School administrators must be aware that hazard mitigation means much more than simply having a supply of water bottles in the school; it means getting everyone involved in efforts to prevent tragedies from occurring in school building in the event of an earthquake. The PTA in…

In 1987, a project was initiated in Thailand to develop a prototype to be used as a standard design for the construction of rural secondary schools in all areas of the country. The project had three objectives: (1) to derive architectural designs for classroom and auxiliary buildings that could be constructed within available budgets and would be…

This report presents a brief history of the Abbott School Construction Program, describes the implementation to date, lays out some current challenges, and outlines lessons learned from the process so far--what is known now about how such an initiative should be planned and carried out. The report is intended to illuminate the complex process of…

The increased need for state funded construction projects in Illinois has created problems due to lack of funding. To reconcile this problem, the Capital Task Force convened to review, analyze, and assess all aspects of the current capital budgeting process, including the recommendations of the System Funding Task Force. The Task Force recommended…

This booklet is designed for administrators who are being encouraged to build a new, or remodel an old, school facility. It describes the planning process from perceived need to the hiring of an architect; the duties of the architect, bondsman, and contractor; school bonds and finances; disability access requirements; force account; economical…

Describes one Wisconsin school district's use of continuous quality improvement (CQI), coupled with community involvement, to plan and pass a referendum for a new K-8 school. Fourteen CQI principles used to successfully develop and drive a community-wide effort in school planning are highlighted and discussed. (GR)

School districts are integrating security and life-safety systems into school buildings to protect students and property. This proactive approach includes sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and security systems that monitor door movement. Some school districts that are incorporating the latest life-safety technology are in Missouri, Ohio, California,…

Prepared in response to a proposal by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) for state funds for the construction of a permanent site for Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC), this report offers historical background, evaluates the request, and presents recommendations. Chapter 1 chronicles the history of LAMC and the LACCD's attempts to…

Thirteen methods of financing school buildings in California are described in this document. A brief introduction reviews recent changes in California school financing, following passage of Proposition 13, and explains the need for new financing methods. For each method, the document provides a description (which also points out limitations),…

Presenting its past, present, and future expectations, the Navajo Junior College anc the forthcoming Navajo Culture Center are described in detail in this publication. College information relative to the following is presented: (1) History and Origin; (2) Philosophy; (3) Objectives; (4) Purpose of the Navajo College (to serve the Navajo…

Due to a lack of funding, New York City's public school buildings fall significantly short of providing adequate classroom space and technology support. Some policy changes that could promote more intensive use of school buildings and thus provide a comprehensive and affordable solution to this problem are described. It is suggested that…

Explains how one small-town school district encouraged community residents to support a costly new school-bond issue by building a multimedia-focused educational facility that served both students and the community. Discusses how technology proved to be the key in the school being built, and the community's involvement. (GR)

Discusses the importance of the physical environment of colleges and universities in communicating the school's mission and promoting its academic reputation. Lists elements addressed and the objectives met by the interior master plan. Includes five illustrative charts. (RE)

Various aspects of public education in Portland, Oregon, since 1950, are reviewed in this document. Past enrollment trends, the current decline in enrollment, and the demographic distribution of that decline are described. Possibilities for future enrollment are examined based upon assumptions about future fertility and migration trends. In…