Planning for microcomputer design and implementation should follow a six-step, classical corporate planning paradigm. The two most helpful tools to accomplish hardware implementation and staff development are setting goals and letting personnel know how these goals will be achieved. (MLH)

Strategic planning is a long-term planning process that allows school leaders to decide where they want to go and how they intend to get there. The procedure is outlined graphically, and a hypothetical example illustrates the steps of the process. (MLF)

A new high school in Stillwater, Minnesota, was completed in June 1993 with the objectives of creating a safe indoor environment, minimizing health risks to construction workers, and avoiding a negative impact on the environment. Lists the guidelines used to evaluate products and methods. Displays the findings of five school systems regarding the…

Describes issues discussed at a national symposium held in January 1993, which led to the establishment of the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting in 1995. Outlines recommended budgeting practices at the state and local levels. One figure and a list of council member organizations are included. (LMI)

A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Describes Park City (Utah) School District's strategy for convincing its tax-resistant citizens to pass two expensive bond issues for educational facilities and technology. The key to success was a strong, broadly based, five-week campaign that focused on positively inclined voters, provided detailed information, separated ballot issues, stressed…

Describes 12 current trends in education that may have a significant impact on long-range plans for school construction and remodeling. Offers suggestions to help ensure that facilities plans accommodate these trends. (PKP)

Outlines (1) the changes that have occurred in school food service since the National School Lunch Act of 1946, (2) the choices in foods served and in new markets, and (3) an action plan for the challenges facing school food service professionals. (MLF)

Relocatable modular classrooms are valued for their flexibility, speed of occupancy, and economy. Manufacturers advise school districts to seek industry input when writing specifications for portable classrooms and to deal with reputable companies. (MLF)

Characteristics of construction management (CM), general contracting, and design/build contracting are defined. CM is shown to be a cost-effective alternative to the other project delivery systems. Explains the four forms of CM and provides guidelines for selecting and rating a CM firm. (MLF)

This article describes seven methods of calculating a school's capacity (the number of students that can be instructed without curtailing the educational program), including one devised by the author. (MCG)

Areas to consider in planning a microcomputer laboratory include program needs of students and staff, facilities, equipment, and finances. Suggestions are offered. (MLF)

Summarizes the current literature on whether money matters in education and the allocation and use of educational resources. Offers suggestions for districts seeking to focus on instructional purposes. How money is spent matters more than how much is spent. Since 80% to 90% of a district's funds are spent at the school level, most savings or…

Discusses events affecting parental school-safety concerns and what school districts can do to alleviate those concerns. Addresses post-September 11 crisis-management procedures, preventing sports-related student deaths, maintaining healthy indoor air quality. (PKP)

To make effective long-term plans, school districts need enrollment projections obtained from objective census-style data and the more subjective information available through interviews with local decision-makers. (MLF)