Uses space problems of a 15-year-old South Carolina middle school to illustrate the importance of a proper facility-design process. Planning principles such as change of space function, flexibility, accommodation of technology, structural quality, adequate supervision, and proper maintenance should be revisited. Time is a good test of design and…

Tips for proper site and building planning with reduction of future maintenance problems in mind. (Author)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of prepackaged software programs and custom-developed software programs, along with the use of microcomputers. (MD)

A tried and tested formula for selecting the right telephone system includes the following elements: determining telephone system needs, considering future growth, using written proposals to make comparisons, and shopping for quality products with excellent references. Flagstaff (Arizona) Uified School District's experience is used to illustrate…

Efforts to achieve ethical performance within organizations should include strategic processes, structural considerations, and the behavioral systems of organizations. Outlines some of the mechanisms that may be employed by organizations to achieve higher levels of ethical performance. (27 references) (MLF)

Information technology comprises the systems and tools that support and enhance the teaching, learning, and research processes of educational organizations. Outlines the variables to be considered when improving or updating information technology, including staff, infrastructure, hardware, software, improvement of services, and positioning for…

Briefly describes the contents of "K-12 School Technology Best Practices," a recently published 500-page book for those involved in making technology decisions; briefly summarizes the book's four sections on technology planning, funding, implementation, and management. Gives the price of the book and where it can be purchased. (PKP)

A long-range facilities plan includes anticipated large expenditures and contingencies. The plan should include an overview of existing facilities, enrollment projections, program changes, and projected capital improvements. A school-planning checklist is provided. (MLF)

Network analysis models provide administrators with an opportunity to describe analytically an orderly process for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling personnel and resources needed for the accomplishment of objectives. (Author/MLF)

Outlines what to include in written educational specifications and why. (Author/MLF)

Planning details of a school designed to conserve energy with flexibility built in for future expansion. (MLF)

Discusses the potential capabilities in computerization available for management of school transportation systems.(MD)

Discusses common weather-related hazards (floods, windstorms, and winter storms) and provides some steps administrators can take to protect their schools. Suggests administrators periodically assess their school's commitment to loss control, housekeeping, suitable building construction and reinforcement, sprinkler systems, water supply,…

Planning new construction is an opportunity to recognize indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. Provides an overview of some common IEQ issues associated with construction projects. A building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is by far the single most common cause of IEQ problems and complaints. (MLF)

Disaster recovery planning need not be expensive nor complete to be effective. Systematic planning involves several crucial steps, including outlining the final plan, understanding the nature of a disaster's effects and the stages of disaster recovery, prioritizing appropriately, and learning how to test the plan in a practical way for the…