Describes four lessons that educators can learn from their mistakes. (PKP)

School districts with experience in school closing emphasize the need for long-range planning and community involvement. (IRT)

Outlines five steps to follow in examining ways to make short-term cuts, three steps to take in making long-range plans, and several types of analyses that can be used in making reports. (IRT)

Describes the measures taken to plan and design a unique elementary school. (JF)

Relates the experience of the Bettendorf (Iowa) school system in seeking widespread community involvement in planning for drastic budget cuts. The participants' ranking of school programs is included. (WD)

The best way to purchase food-service equipment for a new or renovated school is to assemble a team, assess the school's needs, see what is available, follow state and federal procurement guidelines, install the equipment, and train employees to use it safely. A sidebar outlines procurement tips. (MLH)

E-commerce is coming slowly to education, but some curious school purchasing officials are clicking on vendors' web sites. Pioneering districts include the Chicago, Detroit, and El Dorado (California) public schools. Vendors include Boise Cascade and Office Depot. Some vendors are joining institutional exchanges like Commerce One or marketing…

Analysis of problems faced by school systems with surplus schools due to declining enrollment has led to this list of suggestions on achieving flexibility in new building construction. (WD)

Describes two novel ways to accommodate new student populations: (1) building small, house-style classroom buildings in developing residential areas (in Flint, Michigan); and (2) using modular classrooms that can be dismantled and attached to other schools as the population shifts (in Montgomery County, Maryland). (MLH)

Outlines a board activity calendar developed by the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District in California. It groups board actions by month and by meeting for the whole year, listing all actions and items the board anticipates considering. (MD)

Successful school construction projects require careful planning. School boards and administrators should consider architectural firms and contracts carefully. Reduce costs by hiring subcontractors, requiring documentation for proposed changes, negotiating frequent site visits by architect, organizing board subcommittee to review work, and…

Lists crucial procedures devised by a superintendent to produce board meetings that are both open and thoroughly organized. (Author/JM)

To help determine how limited funding resources might best improve school facilities, the Beaufort County (South Carolina) Schools instituted a broad-based citizens' facilities planning committee. After assessing needs, visiting schools, and gathering sufficient information, a coherent plan was adopted and a countywide bond referendum introduced…

A few years ago, the Williamson County (Tennessee) School District developed a strategic plan to encourage volunteers' participation. The plan includes a vision, goals, and objectives; strategies for increasing community involvement; recognition for all volunteers (via the Shining Apple Award); and program evaluation. (MLH)

Selecting a site for a new school is an important decision for school board members. To avoid site-selection catastrophes, ask for a report about the planning steps. Document estimates of purchase and development costs; and project budget and a timeline for acquisition, design, and construction. Questions that should be answered are listed. (MLF)