According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), once students with disabilities receive educational placements, school officials cannot unilaterally change their settings. When officials wish to change the placements of students with disabilities for any reason, they must not only notify their parents of their intent to do so…

Collaborative teamwork between school board members and administrators in a rural Oregon community concerning negotiations has been positive. Under the new system, the teacher-versus-administrator conflict has been reduced; board members became involved in all the districts' committees; and the time spent on negotiations has been cut in half. (MLF)

A number of cases have been litigated challenging the basic administrative right of a board of education to close a school. The suits are discussed based on the nature of the challenge against the school board. (MLF)

Offers a practical review of commonsense principles that may assist a school business official in preparing for negotiations. Includes the role of the team, preparation for negotiations, process at the table, and settlement issues. (MLF)

Outlines lobbying techniques for use by school business officials in successful acquisition of needed computer equipment and software packages by school districts. (MD)

School boards' concerns about user injury and property loss can be reconciled with an open school policy by adopting clear, unambiguous, understandable, and enforceable rules concerning use of school facilities. Lists rules and elements of certificate of insurance to be considered. (MLF)

Numerous business issues arise when organizing a school recycling program. Important questions include the appropriate program organization, deciding what materials to recycle, the selection of appropriate business partners, and various financial issues. Offers suggestions for achieving a successful recycling program. (MLF)

An electronic news service called REDINET provides Indiana school management with statewide coverage of legislative committees, state agencies, and others. Individual school districts and subgroups are also able to communicate with each other. (MLF)

Examines some of the legal and practical matters involved when school boards adopt a policy giving competitive bid preferences to state and local vendors and contractors by penalizing the bids submitted by nonresident firms. (MLF)

When faced with severe budgetary reductions, school boards should establish budget-cutting criteria before collecting and analyzing financial data. Site-based budgeting and brainstorming about all fiscal expenditures can help in developing long-term and effective fiscal procedures. (MLF)

Surplus school property must be carefully managed to provide districts with a long-term revenue source. Asset management plans are comprehensive programs to address the long-term revenue and facility needs of school districts. Outlines five basic steps for successfully implementing an asset management plan. (MLF)

School districts can improve their chances of avoiding financial difficulty by developing unreserved fund balance resources specifically for contingencies. Offers guidelines for establishing such a fund. (MLF)