State-mandated reforms in educational practices, such as class-size reduction, have created the need for more and better educational facilities, but pressure from growth and poor planning decisions are stretching other forms of public infrastructure development to the limit and draining economic vitality from cities and towns. Current programs, procedures, and policies need to confront these challenges with smarter strategies for planning and implementation, such as schools that serve as centers of their communities; gymnasiums and play fields that double as community parks and recreation centers; auditoriums that serve as community theaters; and incorporation of centralized libraries, health clinics, and other community services into schools for greater community access and engagement. Smarter schools can also use a wide range of community resources--like museums, zoos, and other existing facilities--to create integrated learning centers. Smarter schools is a concept that also has implications for the so-called "smart growth" strategies for urban and regional planning. An overview of seven case studies that embody some of these smarter planning principles are included. (DFR)