Schools and universities across the United States have been forced to cope with a grim financial situation that has left them without adequate resources. Administrators are cutting programs, reining in salaries and jettisoning employees to keep operating budgets in line. Education institutions also have had to shutter facilities or postpone,…

The nation's major city public school districts have substantial construction, renovation, modernization, and deferred maintenance needs because of the age and size of their school buildings, shifting populations, and the need to devote substantial resources to instructional personnel to meet their core academic mission. For instance, the average…

This report describes new and innovative approaches to school facilities as they relate to their communities by exploring the trends towards smaller schools, presenting the pros and cons of smaller schools, and examining the solutions and strategies in smart growth planning. The report addresses the following questions: if school leaders,…

Since building designers play a key role in the school construction process, it is important they be selected based on qualifications, level of service, and ability to work with education professionals. This report provides guidance to boards of education, superintendents, and other school administrators in this selection process. A methodology is…

Confusion and frustration can often accompany local school boards of education and facilities designers who attempt to meet classroom facilities needs pursuant to North Carolina legislative requirements when building or renovating schools. This booklet identifies a number of procedures, regulations, and agencies associated with the construction of…

This publication discusses those factors that must be recognized during the process of school site selection, planning, development, and use within North Carolina. Issues discussed in the site selection process include the technical requirements when selecting a school site, such as topography and drainage, access and traffic, security and safety,…

North Carolina school districts thinking about building new educational facilities are legislatively required to conduct an analysis that compares the costs and feasibility of building the new building versus renovating an old building. This document contains the cost and feasibility forms suggested for use in this analysis. The forms provide a…

This document presents a complete list of school construction projects, as of 1972, so that designers, educators, and interested citizens can visit or otherwise be aware of particular efforts in their district and elsewhere in North Carolina. Elementary, Middle, and High School buildings are included. Each offering provides the floor plan,…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1981, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years, as of 1986, representing a wide range of educational…

North Carolina local public school boards have the statutory responsibility for operating public schools and for entering into contracts for design and construction of their schools. This document presents examples of plans for school buildings planned or constructed during the last few years , as of 1993, representing a wide range of educational…

The State of North Carolina has developed a planning guide for those in the process of building, enlarging, or renovating school facilities. This guide defines and describes the educational spaces needed to support a modern, comprehensive educational program and sets minimal standards for the types and sizes of spaces required. It serves as a…

This paper offers unconventional and innovative ideas for school planning and construction in North Carolina for creating smaller and safer community schools in response to rising enrollment, tight budgets, and dwindling school space. Often using examples from across the country, the paper discusses school construction costs and economy of scale…

This document provides school systems and designers with design information that can be used as a basis for new schools, additions, and renovations when building public schools in North Carolina. Further, it serves as a planning guide for those in the process of building or renovating school facilities. The guidelines detail minimum requirements…

In July 1987, North Carolina enacted legislation to provide funds for public school construction. This document defines and describes the educational spaces needed to support a comprehensive educational program and to set minimal standards for types of spaces and for sizes of spaces. Standards, comments, and recommendations are provided for the…