Offers guidelines on planning for and conducting smooth, efficient, and effective board meetings. (WD)

By developing broad community input and support, a Louisiana district (Monroe City Schools) passed a $59 million property tax package. Offers 10 strategies for winning campaigns. (MLF)

The 1979 passive solar design for Meadow Park Elementary School (Irvine, California) was not used until 1986. Architects had incorporated workable energy-saving features that would give a sizable return on the investment. They maximized use of natural light and used solar features (clerestory windows and interior courtyards) to reduce heat…

Abandoning its disjointed strategic plan, the Phoenix (Arizona) Union High School District concentrated on improving student achievement and utilization of fiscal and human resources. These goals were achieved by replacing adversarial collective bargaining with interest-based negotiation and working toward higher graduation rates and lower dropout…

Although the E-Rate has been a catalyst for school technology purchases, there are no subsidies for hiring qualified technology support staff. District technology coordinators are relying on technology support systems and shoestring survival strategies, employing standardized equipment and hard-drive configurations, desktop lockdowns, anti-virus…

As serving as its own contractor, a small district in western Montana saved money, had better control over the project, and inspired public confidence. Major advantages were cost savings, controlling the pace of construction, and the ability to cope with change orders. (MLF)

Discusses the resolve necessary to keep the schools open during a strike and the detailed planning necessary to carry out that resolve. (Author/IRT)

Describes various types of ceilings and lighting systems appropriate for schools and discusses some factors to consider in choosing among them. (JG)

There is little incentive for teachers to become school administrators. The extra pay does not make up for the long hours and commitment expected of school leaders. School boards need to work to provide support and incentives to attract competent administrators. (MD)

With a new round of school construction on the horizon, planners must consider such energy conservation measures as placing energy consumption limitations in design specifications, retaining experienced engineers, using staff expertise, considering boilers offering fuel options, seeking outside assistance, resisting use of existing plans, and…

School boards need to be prepared to deal with potential disasters. Four districts whose school board presidents dealt with serious emergencies are described. The emergencies included the murder of a superintendent, a flood, a statewide teacher walkout, and the threat of financial collapse. (MD)

Stresses the need to plan the educational system's conversion to metrics. Since almost 80 percent of the world now uses metrics, and since they are easier to teach to children than the currently used English system, the author claims conversion is both logical and cheaper in the longrun. Includes a school metrication calendar. (Author/WM)

Teachers at Pawtucket, Rhode Island, schools are developing a new approach to Title I, the federal program for disadvantaged students. Included are high academic standards, ongoing professional development, and developing a long-range plan. A sidebar lists web sites that offer information on Title I programs, especially effective schoolwide…

A New Jersey high school district built four prototype classrooms to measure the impact of new technology and telecommunication tools on instruction, assess alternative instructional strategies, and determine the training and development needs of the staff. (MLF)

After the first year, new superintendents should take care to avoid the "sophomore jinx" by communicating effectively with the board president every week and with board members before meetings. Public engagement is also an integral part of a superintendent's job. (MLF)