This article discusses why building commissioning for education institutions is needed. School facilities owners and operators should confirm whether their building systems are performing as expected. The more comprehensive the confirmation process, the greater opportunity there is for reducing operations and maintenance costs, and improving facility performance. A high-performing facility can boost student achievement and occupant comfort. Education facilities are incorporating building systems with sophisticated technology, computer controls and circuitry for operation. These systems--heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC); lighting-control; fire-alarm; energy-management; elevators; security; communications; and life-safety--need to be evaluated to determine whether they are operating properly. The quality-assurance process of commissioning confirms, through testing, that building materials, equipment and systems are designed and installed properly, and capable of operating as efficiently as intended. Commissioning improves systems reliability, energy performance, indoor environmental quality, and facility operations and maintenance. Additional benefits include: (1) More healthful and comfortable learning environments; (2) Trained building operators; (3) Lower energy costs; (4) Maximized equipment life expectancy; (5) Early detection of potential problems; and (6) Compliance with existing regulatory mandates.