Times are tough for everyone, including public school districts. During the past decade, school districts have faced the dual challenges of tightening budgets and increasing fiscal responsibility and oversight. Many school districts have found a way to manage their assets, reduce staff requirements, increase accountability, and save money on…

Discusses issues related to school district implementation of June 2001 Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34 designed to change how schools report fixed assets. Includes planning for GASB implementation, conducting fixed-asset inventories, and making time for GASB reporting. (PKP)

The first steps toward effectively managing a property insurance program are a complete understanding of the insurance contract and a professional appraisal. (Author)

A checklist highlights some of the procedures necessary to develop a property management system. (MLF)

School facility appraisal will provide a basis for a careful analysis of the anatomy of a school plant. (Author)

Administrators responsible for purchasing school insurance should work with insurance companies to insure competitive prices and responsive services. Guidelines are provided. (Author/MLF)

Extra expense insurance is intended to reimburse the policy holder for extra expenses incurred to continue functioning as normally as is practicable while the damaged property is being restored. Explains conditions to the coverage and how to analyze insurance needs and determine the level of financial protection needed. (MLF)

A detailed appraisal of building replacement costs and an inventory and evaluation of school assets are essential for insurance, property control, budgeting, and long-term planning. Guidelines are provided for implementing a new system or reviewing an existing one. (MLF)

Increased accountability is required in school accounting due to rising education costs and the significant investment made in property and equipment in educational facilities. Guidelines for planning and implementing a property record-keeping system are provided. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the benefits of having an inventory and appraisal of school buildings and equipment conducted annually by a professional appraisal company. (JG)

Computerization of custodial services can save school administrators time and money. Four basic reports that should be developed from microcomputer software packages are outlined. (MLF)

Objective evaluations of whether to repair or replace existing school equipment depend on an equipment inventory, evaluation of equipment suitability, and knowledge of repair possibilities and costs. (MLF)

Presents a six-part facilities-management strategy to assess the condition of facilities to develop realistic budgets for operations, maintenance, code and access upgrades, and capacity expansion. (MLF)

Numerous studies have reported the deteriorating conditions in school buildings. One of the primary causes of this national problem is lack of proper maintenance of school facilities. Outlines a comprehensive assessment and planning process to provide a district with a road map for making decisions about facility improvement. (MLF)

An informal survey of 20 major urban school districts found that 40% were currently operating in a "break down" maintenance mode. A majority, 57.9%, also indicated they saw considerable benefits in contracting for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance services with outside firms. Offers guidelines in selecting…