When Governor Roy Romer challenged Colorado's 20 largest districts to undergo performance audits, 12 responded. Consultants recommended that districts provide more market-sensitive salaries, privatize certain functions, cross-train personnel, and create job flexibility. Districts can improve overall efficiency by generating accurate operational…

Explores technology planning possibilities via interviews with a district-level technology director, a state instructional technology director, and a state administrative technology director. Schools' biggest planning challenges are funding, professional development, and technology integration. The Web browser is becoming a "universal…

Most facility and finance managers cannot adequately handle school infrastructure issues because they lack the tools to describe the problem appropriately. Facility accounting gives managers accurate deferral and projected replacement costs, using nationally recognized life-cycle and cost data. Facility accounting enables proper management of…

The Pasadena (California) Independent School District developed a four-pronged approach for responding to campus emergencies and improving communication channels: establishing a chain of command, developing an onsite crisis team, converting the superintendent's office to a crisis command center, and assembling a district crisis-management team.…

Two aging structures were replaced by Central High School in an Indiana steel town. Planning, board and administrator support, and community involvement eased negative attitudes toward the high school closures and resulted in a $36 million school that has unified the city and will serve it for over 50 years. (MLF)

Outlines procedures to be used in hiring a construction management firm. Four exhibits are shown including an interview rating form and a qualification questionnaire. (MLF)

Describes how one school district saved money, simplified carpet maintenance, and kept its carpets clean by trying a new dry compound carpet care method. (MD)

To develop more businesslike practices and improve its relations with the community, the North Clackamas (OR) School District in 1983 established a business-advisory task force. This article describes that task force's objectives, membership, and procedure and several projects it has undertaken. (MCG)

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

Although only 5% of the population has severe food allergies, school business officials must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Banning foods and segregating allergic children are harmful practices. Education and sensible behavior are the best medicine when food allergies and intolerances are involved. Resources are listed. (MLH)

A planning committee needed to create a plan for the infusion of technology in all areas of a school district. Decisions included standardization of hardware, network, and wiring. Four figures and text illustrate a network computer and printer in each classroom, a wide area network, and a voice and video network. Offers key suggestions for…

School business officials must be aware of potential liabilities associated with Centrex and Private Branch Exchange (PBX). This article describes these systems, presents guidelines for developing a telecommunications management plan, and discusses options to limit toll fraud exposure. PBX owners should implement manufacturers' recommended…

Offers a framework for developing school publications that interest and inform the public. Suggestions include sending a consistent, simple message, knowing your audience, and involving the community. Provides recommendations for a distribution schedule, kinds of publications, and going online. (LMI)

Describes strategies to meet the increasing demands for technological innovation in the face of increasingly severe budgetary constraints. Long-term planning is the key to a successful technological program. Describes the options of leasing, financing, and phased-in purchases. (LMI)

Before undertaking a school construction or renovation project, administrators should plan carefully, collect adequate data, involve the school board, form a building committee, understand legalities, select the right architect, consult with technology director, monitor the construction site, enjoy short-lived trouble-free times; and document…