This brief suggests that the condition of the nation's schools continues to be a problem because they are becoming increasingly obsolete and contain environmental hazards. This report provides data on the increase in school construction between 1950 and 1969 (corresponding to the Baby Boom generation); the percent of schools in oldest, moderate,…

This document is intended to be a "cookbook" of the numerous elements which collectively influence the cost containment of school construction projects. Each element is meant to indicate an action in the process that the school district should pay attention to and ensure is properly accomplished. The elements influencing cost containment are…

This manual is a reference guide for those involved in school planning, maintenance, repair, and construction funded through the Capital Improvement Program for Delaware public schools. It is an updated version of the previous edition adopted by the state board in May 1991 and presents regulations adopted by the state board. Following each…

This document offers guidance in the accommodation needs for teaching the sciences in secondary education, either through new construction or the adaptation of existing buildings. Section 1 outlines the range of spaces usually required and examines planning options in new and adapted departments. Section 2 describes the planning of an individual…

This booklet takes a critical look at some of the assumptions that "newer is better" when it comes to school buildings and considers what is actually lost each time an older neighborhood school is razed or retired. The following six assumptions are examined relative to their accuracy in the real world: 1) that "old" means out of dated or obsolete;…

This booklet visually depicts the current condition of public high schools attended by various members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, including photos, statistics, and facts about each school and other public education facilities in each member's respective state. Additionally provided are state statistics that list the…

This booklet provides best practice recommendations for building functional and frugal schools in Florida. Seventeen best practice construction recommendations are addressed, including recommendations for sitework, concrete, masonry, metals, wood and plastics, thermal and moisture protection, doors and windows, finishes, equipment, furnishings,…

This paper describes general educational facility improvement planing principles and how factors peculiar to Massachusetts affect the planning process, including a description of the roles of the owner, architect, and other building professionals. Chapters examine the first steps in school planning, the role of the architect in preliminary…

Summarizes policies practiced in each state for financing school construction. (MLF)

Describes the use of the At-Risk Program Management approach to project-delivery management, an approach that guarantees results for time, scope, quality, and cost for all components of project delivery while incorporating any combination of delivery methods. Explores its general parameters and the role of the at-risk program manager, as well as…

Presents the lessons learned when facility use and abuse, and proper planning are not adequately done in, the school design and construction process. Eleven steps for building durability into schools to decrease the effects of prolonged use and stretch a school's life expectancy are outlined. (GR)

Discusses how two small communities, driven by economic exigency, combined forces to build one preschool through grade-three school using the geodesic dome design. The school planning committee's decision-making process in using the geodesic design is examined, including design features that made the school an attractive alternative to traditional…

Discusses the alternative funding avenues school districts have used to support facility construction and improvements when tax levies and state aid are not enough. Acquiring donations, creating lease-purchase agreements, and using tax increment financing are highlighted. (GR)

Recognizes award-winning school architectural designs in K-12 schools and universities illustrating innovative, yet practical, solutions in planning, design, and construction. Project information including school location, statistical data covering school size and project costs, and the architectural firms involved are provided. (GR)

Discusses the challenges that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) creates for designing school restrooms. The issues of mobility and circulation of users are addressed. Some of the dimension requirements required by the ADA are listed. (GR)