This article reports on the growing challenge of managing community groups using educational facilities for meetings, athletics, and special events. It describes how, by using an online scheduling software program, one school district was able to track payments and save time and money with its event and facility scheduling process.

Most school business officials have heard the term "cloud computing" bandied about and may have some idea of what the term means. In fact, they likely already leverage a cloud-computing solution somewhere within their district. But what does cloud computing really mean? This brief article puts a bit of definition behind the term and helps one…

Nationally, rural students represent about a quarter of all students attending public school; nearly a third of all schools are located in rural areas. Those rural schools and students have a number of unique characteristics and needs. For example, the smaller size of many rural schools and districts can sometimes lead to per-pupil expenditures…

District consolidation is a highly emotional process. One key to success is sticking to the facts. In Iowa, school districts facing financial difficulties or enrollment concerns do not have to move directly to consolidation. In many cases, districts begin by developing sharing agreements. These sharing agreements may start with simple sharing of…

A strategic networking plan can mobilize the resources needed to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The key to successful networking is building of regular, long-term, sustainable relationships with the community, including governmental, charitable, and other organizations. Striving for educational excellence as a first priority has beneficial…

Recently, some school districts have established ties between their own and city/county transportation systems. This article examines outcomes of consolidated services in a sample of seven Michigan communities. Successful consolidation requires a policy champion, safety assurances, confidence and positive experiences, and resource capacity. (MLH)

Describes a network formed by 96 school districts and 7 Boards of Cooperative Education Services to comply with New York State's 1980 chemical safety law. This shared services approach succeeds because of its cost effectiveness, convenience, and confidential liaison services. Major issues include recycling, sick building syndrome, disaster…

A recent study developed efficiency indicators (grouped into price, personnel, productivity, and policy categories) as part of an ongoing internal benchmarking process to help six affluent New York school districts manage their facilities maintenance and operations processes. Based on data analysis, the greatest area for potential savings (from…

Opening the communication lines among a school district in Derby, Kansas, and two other local governmental units--the city of Derby and the Derby Recreation Commission, led to a multitude of cooperative efforts that were fiscally responsible and beneficial for the entire community. (MLF)

The province of Ontario has taken a lead in promoting the development of multiuse facilities. The advantages include the following: (1) saving labor and utilities costs; (2) maximizing programing; (3) improving quality and quantity of service; (4) guaranteeing nonpartisan access to public facilities; and (6) providing one-source shopping for…

The Pinnacle awards are presented annually by the Association of School Business Officials International to four members who have created an outstanding practice, proposal, or publication that enhances the school business management profession. Presents summaries of each of the 1994 recipients' award-winning projects. (MLF)

Examines varied types of Ontario public and Catholic school board collaboration, focusing on the structural characteristics of interorganizational networks, such as age, size, organizational members, number and degree of shared activities, operational and governance mechanisms, and cost savings obtained. The primary motives behind the 43 coop and…

Today's purchasing professionals recognize the need to reduce non-value-added procedures (clerical functions) while emphasizing strategic planning. Results-oriented supply-chain managers need superb communication, negotiation, and leadership skills to achieve long-term value and resist the lowest, first- cost bids. (Contains 13 references.) (MLH)

States have had to budget increasing amounts for mandated pupil-transportation services as their state transportation aid has been slashed dramatically. Among school districts, cooperation and coordination through shared services (consortia) have resulted in safer, more reliable, and more efficient transportation. Implementation advice is…

Using schools as a hub, full-service community schools bring together many partners to offer wide-ranging supports to community members every day. Community schools generally foster strong partnerships, share accountability for results, set high universal expectations, build on community strengths, embrace diversity, and avoid cookie-cutter…