With the increasing focus on educational facilities, facilities managers are experiencing heightened scrutiny over their roles. This report examines the kinds of questions that school board members, superintendents, and administrators are asking facilities managers and the possible consequences of this new attention, such as more outsourcing. (RJM)

Describes how educational institutions are recognizing the short-sightedness of deferred maintenance. Discusses the challenges facing schools as they confront maintenance costs and what they must do to address the problem. Offers advice on proactive stances toward maintenance such as computerized work control processes, maintenance zones, and…

Proper maintenance is necessary for all public school facilities. In Maryland, both the Board of Public Works and the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction (IAC) work to improve public school maintenance. Since 1980 the IAC has conducted a survey of selected Maryland schools to assess the quality of local maintenance programs in 106…

Two intruments for evaluating the school plant are presented in this monograph. The first enables districts to appraise the effectiveness of school maintenance programs and plan for future maintenance needs. The eight aspects of maintenance covered relate to the exterior of the building, the interior, special classrooms, the electrical system, the…

Information concerning energy conservation management is presented to aid school administrators in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings and programs. Three general topics are discussed: (1) the general nature and unique characteristics of school energy management; (2) initial steps in developing a conservation program, including…

A program for school districts with central air conditioning and/or high kilowatt demand and low summer occupancy involves custodians from a number of buildings thoroughly cleaning one building, then closing it for the summer. Critical factors of this program are identified. (MLF)

This report summarizes some of the recent reports on school building needs and describes the initiatives in New York State's budget designed to address them. It also describes the environment in which school building and maintenance decisions are made, with particular attention to factors discouraging or impeding successful strategies for school…

Claims that school maintenance budgets should be organized into no more than three categories: buildings; equipment repair and replacement; and grounds and outdoor facilities. Several simple budgeting formulas are provided. (WM)

This report focuses on principals' satifaction with services provided by the School District of Philadelphia's Facilities Management and Services. In the spring of 1988 questionnaires were sent to all principals in the system and a total of 172 returns (61 percent) were received. Tabulated in frequencies, the results demonstrated that the majority…

The operation and maintenance (O&M) of public school buildings and equipment has become more complex over the years, requiring increased training of personnel, more responsible management, and greater expenditure of school resources. This monograph provides basic guidelines for establishing a program to respond to these administrative…

Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) programs are used to teach drafting at an Indiana high school. The school system's maintenance department shared use of the software and equipment to produce original drawings of school buildings. (MLF)

This is the fifth revision of the Minimum Check List since its origin in 1960 by North Carolina's School Planning. The checklist was developed to serve as a means of communication between school agencies and design professionals and has been widely used in the development and review of mechanical and electrical plans and specifications by…

One of the single biggest challenges for a charter school is securing financing for an adequate facility. While a stellar building provides no guarantee that a school will be a success, having adequate facilities that at least meet the needs of an academic program without robbing the budget can go a long way toward creating an environment…

Examines the energy crisis and its effect on school operation, facilities planning, and student transportation. Specific recommendations are made regarding ways in which the school plant and the school transportation program can conserve fuel. (DN)

Reports on research at six Florida schools that identified common contributors to poor indoor air quality. Discusses the reasons behind the state implementing the research, the many problems associated with elevated humidity levels, and ways to improve air quality, which includes effective operational systems and maintenance procedures. (RJM)