Every school has a list of renovations, upgrades and repairs that need attention, but many are too distracting and disruptive to carry out during the school year. Often, the best time to address these nagging construction projects is during the summer when students are on break and the campus is quieter. Although these "summer slammers" often are…

At thousands of schools and universities, years of economic troubles have led to repeated budget cuts. The reductions typically fall disproportionately on maintenance departments, where cuts are viewed as less critical than those that directly affect classroom instruction. And so nearly every facility manager at an education institution faces a…

Schools and universities throughout the United States now appear to be embracing green roofs as one of many environmentally friendly initiatives. However, once a green roof is in place, school managers soon realize they are not the same as typical landscaping. Although they tend to be relatively low-maintenance, the location and highly specialized…

Explains why schools and universities should develop well- researched and financially prudent plans for equipping their facilities with technology. Guidelines are offered for building affordable high-tech classrooms.(GR)

Offers tips on developing a clear and detailed plan that can keep a school rehabilitation project on time and within budget. Developing proper communication between stakeholders, knowing the regulations, probing for facts about deterioration, and being persistent and demanding in monitoring the construction project are stressed. (GR)

Examines the planning process behind successfully providing full access to distance-learning programs for all students. Distance learning under the regulatory mandate of the Americans with Disabilities Act is addressed along with facility design considerations and the impact of regulatory requirements on design options. (GR)

This American School and University supplement theme issue provides information from experts in the security industry concerning school violence and its prevention. Articles address the lessons learned from recent school shootings that may help reduce future occurrences, the need for a greater adherence to order in schools to set the stage for a…

Discusses the electrical power problems that can arise when schools try to integrate educational technology components into an existing facility, and how to plan the electrical power design to avoid power failures. Examines setting objectives, evaluating current electrical conditions, and developing the technology power design. (GR)

Explores the key stages required to develop a successful roofing system for educational facilities. Advice provided includes selecting consultants and contractors, bid evaluation, points to cover with contractors, and monitoring installation and documentation. Guidelines are offered to assure that the roof will provide the promised protection. (GR)

Discusses how to avoid costly errors in high-tech retrofits through proper planning and coordination. Guidelines are offered for selecting cable installers, using multi-disciplinary consulting engineering firm, and space planning when making high-tech retrofits. (GR)

Explains how important it is for educational facilities planners to refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines when designing science classrooms, so every student can have the opportunity to experiment with science firsthand. Addresses how to work with the guidelines, and specific areas of concern. (GR)

Provides guidelines for making schools more energy efficient that includes the development of an architectural (usage) program; the prudent use of lighting that combines natural and artificial light augmented by interior finishes; and the use of site orientation, landscaping, and building organization. An example of one school's use of this type…

Presents a series of articles that examine decision making in school construction and renovation projects. Topics include preparing for a construction project, purchasing windows that provide protection at a reasonable cost, choosing the best flooring and carpeting, and dealing with deregulation. An industry roundtable discussion on project…