Offers ten suggestions for schools and universities to help maintain a healthy indoor environment: proper flooring, sanitary washrooms, consistent maintenance, indoor air quality, preventing mold, daylighting, good acoustics, avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ergonomic furniture, and well-maintained roofs. (EV)

A computer-assisted design (CAD) software program is used in a Connecticut school district to graphically provide information on maintenance projects by school and category of project over time. CAD supplies a computerized building plan, a "foot-print," used as a recordkeeping system for maintenance projects. (MLF)

Discusses the idea of team cleaning educational facilities as a new concept in maintaining floors and carpets, as well as maintaining the entire building. This team effort can streamline and improve custodial operations. Each worker becomes a specialist with two or three functions instead of multiple cleaning tasks. (RE)

Methods of preserving, protecting, and keeping buildings, grounds, and equipment in a satisfactory operating condition are described. Detailed information is presented concerning the maintenance of items classified as either interior or exterior facilities. The problems of fire prevention and safety are discussed, including the development of a…

This self-evaluation guide considers four discussion topics--(1) school site, (2) buildings and equipment, (3) heating, ventilation, and lighting, and (4) maintenance and custodial services. At the beginning of each topic a statement of guiding principles sets forth philosophy, aims, and objectives indicative of desirable school environment. A…

Although each school district and its bond finance campaign are unique, success at the polls depends on identifying the community's particular voting groups and developing matching strategies. Year-round public-relations programs are essential. Planners should study other districts' successful strategies, pool all available resources and talents,…

Countless court cases have taught school districts that fairness in general operations funding means more than dispersing funds to the most politically powerful communities. The same holds true for facilities. Equity (allocating resources based on relative need) depends on setting standards, inventorying existing facilities, identifying the…

Offers ideas for locating a roof leak. Discusses why many leaks originate in the roof's base flashings and the importance of knowing the roof's material makeup. Advocates keeping a roof-leak history and gives advice on performing inspections to check for leaks. Discusses how to find small holes in roofs. (RJM)

School leaders have already taken emergency actions to deal with the immediate energy crisis. Now they need to make long-range plans to adjust to an energy shortage with no end in sight. (Author)

Immediate access to technical information is critical in making emergency decisions and in long-range planning. A useful tool to consolidate many forms of information in an easily understood graphic form is an overall plot plan of each building complex. (Author/MLF)

Describes the use of a computerized roof management system (CRMS) for school districts to foster multiple roof maintenance efficiency and cost effectiveness. Highlights CRMS software manufacturer choices, as well as the types of nondestructive testing equipment tools that can be used to evaluate roof conditions. (GR)

Describes how a roof maintenance program will ensure that schools enjoy optimum protection for occupants and property. Discusses how to set up a plan, which includes annual inspections; inventory and documentation, such as recording warranty numbers; and implementing maintenance/repair plans. Offers suggestions for finding a roof consultant. (RJM)

Recent influxes of baby boomers coupled with state reforms reducing student-teacher ratios are stretching the limits on available school facilities across the country. Several aspects of the school facilities issue are covered in question-and-answer format; (1) What is the current status of aging school buildings? (2) What are the financial…

Results of a one-year research program to study maintenance procedures for operating mechanical equipment were based on the determination of--(1) the present condition and level of performance of operating mechanical equipment, (2) the problems encountered by school administrators and custodial engineers pertaining to operating mechanical…

After a study of 3,000 classrooms in 130 schools in 16 states, the Environmental Protection Agency urged all schools to conduct tests for radon. Explains a 6-step screening test, methods of reducing radon concentrations, and how the risk from radon exposure compares with other risks. (MLF)