The everyday operations of a school district depend on a network of people, including students, teachers, staff, and administrators. However, the ancillary services staff are really responsible for making the school day run smoothly. They are often the first employees that students see in the morning, either on the school bus or in the cafeteria,…

This article presents an example of the ways in which many large districts are working to dispel long-held myths about inefficient and unresponsive operations, particularly in operational areas, such as transportation, purchasing, food services, and information technology (IT). Determined to improve both academically and operationally, leaders in…

A model that, although altered to fit the specific needs of each energy study, has basic steps that are helpful in planning, organizing, and implementing a total energy program. (Author/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)

Increased use of microcomputers in schools can be implemented more effectively when management develops acquisitions standards and controls. Technical standards as well as operational and documentation standards are outlined. (MLF)

The application of operations research and computers is providing school bus routing and scheduling to five California counties. Illustrates the system requirements, steps for computerized calculations, a sample bus assignment report, and three data files. (MLF)

Describes a model for establishing control of school food services through analysis of the aggregate variances of quantity, collection, and price, and of their separate components. The separable component variances are identified, measured, and compared monthly to help supervisors identify exactly where plans and operations vary. (Author/MLF)

Presents organizational criteria and implementation techniques that school districts can use to meet their responsibility for accountability to the community. (MLF)

Operations research (OR) is the use of measurable interrelationships to explain the predictable links between measured phenomena and variable outcomes. Provides examples of OR techniques in school business management. (MLF)

School districts experiencing student transportation problems along with limited staff ability and time, and extremely sensitive issues, can benefit from a transportation consultant. A pupil transportation consultant can assist districts in management studies, staff development, and operations. (MLF)

Controlling warehousing operations and food inventory, administering school cafeteria activity, and measuring the profitability of food service operations are identified as food service administrative problems. A comprehensive school food services information system developed to address these problems is described. (Author/MLF)