Hiring private contractors to manage school support services, such as food, maintenance, and busing, is a growing trend. Companies such as Marriott Corp., ServiceMaster, ARA Services, and Laidlaw Transit report that school business is steadily increasing. Unions staunchly oppose privatization. This article balances advantages and disadvantages,…

Describes how a roof maintenance program will ensure that schools enjoy optimum protection for occupants and property. Discusses how to set up a plan, which includes annual inspections; inventory and documentation, such as recording warranty numbers; and implementing maintenance/repair plans. Offers suggestions for finding a roof consultant. (RJM)

This report analyzes the conditions of school facilities in Contra Costa Unified School District, California. The district had been prohibited from participating in the state's school facilities funding program because of a very heavy debt burden and near-bankruptcy of the district. The report begins by summarizing findings in the areas of…

The "Capital Construction Budget Recommendations and Prioritization 2003-2005 Biennium" provides priority and funding recommendations for capital construction budget requests at the Nebraska State Colleges, the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture at Curtis. The Coordinating Commission for…

Proper maintenance is necessary for all public school facilities. In Maryland, both the Board of Public Works and the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction (IAC) work to improve public school maintenance. Since 1980 the IAC has conducted a survey of selected Maryland schools to assess the quality of local maintenance programs in 106…

The landscape of public education in Michigan has changed dramatically over the last 13 years. Most districts receive a majority of their operating money from state government, not local taxes. Charter schools and nearby districts lure students away from local schools and capture the state money that goes with them. Districts are even subject to…

Organized data describing school facilities are necessary for planning. Eleven categories that organize facility data by components are listed and discussed individually. (MLF)

One of the single biggest challenges for a charter school is securing financing for an adequate facility. While a stellar building provides no guarantee that a school will be a success, having adequate facilities that at least meet the needs of an academic program without robbing the budget can go a long way toward creating an environment…

Growth in student enrollment is a statewide phenomenon in California. Options to overcrowding include year-round education, portable classrooms, new school construction, and maintenance of existing schools. The Association of California School Administrators is seeking specific legislative remedies. (MLF)

Reports on research at six Florida schools that identified common contributors to poor indoor air quality. Discusses the reasons behind the state implementing the research, the many problems associated with elevated humidity levels, and ways to improve air quality, which includes effective operational systems and maintenance procedures. (RJM)

Discusses how software programs can help managers evaluate roofing options, project maintenance, and repair costs. Describes how computerized roof management can aid in budgeting, facilitate the development of a roof-management database, and help in selecting the appropriate roof system. Offers tips on shopping for software. (RJM)

Individuals wishing to establish a legal negligence claim against a principal must first present evidence of recognizable duty (adequate supervision); breach of duty; proximate cause; and injury. Wise principals schedule periodic meetings to review safety measures, focus on vulnerable areas, designate an emergency stand-in, review equipment and…

This paper reports the results of a questionnaire distributed to all Philadelphia secondary school principals (with returns from 68 percent), eliciting their reactions to various aspects of the transfer to them of line authority for building engineers. Responses indicate that the process of assuming supervisory responsibility was not yet complete,…

School business officials from 10 large urban school districts express their concerns about school size, deteriorating buildings, lack of parental involvement and parenting skills, obsolete business systems, loss of public support, retrofitting for technology, privatization, and low-bid construction results. Violent behavior and criminal incidents…

The New York City Board of Education's Division of School Facilities (DSF) is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of all public schools and other board facilities. This report contains findings of an audit conducted by the Office of the State Comptroller of the DSF's Repair and Maintenance Program. The audit focused on the DSF's efforts to…