Mutual gains negotiation is an innovative system that emphasizes interests instead of positions and problem solving instead of preconceived solutions. The process can reverse social disintegration, reverse worker alienation, and address a shifting educational environment. It can resolve difficult labor-management problems such as contracting out,…

Explores various definitions of what constitutes a profession and what characteristics determine a professional. Identifies the need for continued professional growth and development related to the new Association of School Business Officials, International, "Professional Standards" (2001). Examples illustrate how individual school…

Reports results of survey of 797 members of Association of School Business Officials about pressing concerns, Association membership, value of existing programs and services, and future offerings. (PKP)

Describes characteristics of successful school district programs to explain difficult budget issues to the public, including strategies for budget cuts and layoffs. (PKP)

Describes the how school districts use closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance to improve school safety. Discusses technological improvements in CCTV, including digital imagery. Provides examples of CCTV use in several school districts. (PKP)

Describes the advantages and disadvantages of the vertical expansion of school buildings. Considers such factors as fire protection, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and cost. Discusses alternatives to vertical expansion. (PKP)

Describes the problem of toxic mold in residential and commercial property resulting from excess moisture. Includes common sources of unwanted moisture, design and construction flaws, determining the presence of mold, and advice for identifying and hiring reputable mold remediators. (PKP)

Describes Standard & Poor's School Evaluation Service (SES), a Web-based analytical tool to help educators comply with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Describes what SES does, how it was developed, the analytical criteria, and the value of SES. Includes three illustrations of SES applications, such as tracking district finances. (PKP)

Describes Curriculum Services Canada (CSC) process of evaluating electronic learning resources. Includes advantages of electronic learning and a checklist for choosing an electronic learning evaluator. (PKP)

Describes process of establishing effective partnerships with businesses and foundations to raise money and resources for schools. Includes how to get started, making contact with potential partners, planning an event, materials for prospective partners, gaining partners' commitment, and keeping the commitment. (PKP)

Describes differences between two types of school facilities: portable (prebuilt, temporary wood structure installed on site) and modular (method of construction for permanent buildings). Provides details of modular construction. (PKP)

Describes the components of a self-funded long-term disability program at East Allen County Schools, Indiana, and the risk management principles used to guide the decision to self-fund. (MLF)

Attempts to eliminate confusion in acquiring FAX machines for the average school business official. Discusses organizational needs and requirements for speed, copy quality, telephone line conditions, paper type and size, and machine care and life expectancy. (MLH)

Winners of the 1989 Architectural Exhibition sponsored annually by the ASBO International's School Facilities Research Committee include the Brevard Performing Arts Center (Melbourne, Florida), the Capital High School (Santa Fe, New Mexico), Gage Elementary School (Rochester, Minnesota), the Lakewood (Ohio) High School Natatorium, and three other…

Meaningful public procurement and inventory management automation encompasses all purchasing and materials management processes, including bidder selection; bidder responsiveness tracking; preparation of bid solicitations; bid tabulation; the tracking of requisitions, bid solicitations, and deliveries; and item purchasing history reports. (MLH)