In 1997, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry implemented a change in its method of determining prevailing wage and benefit rates, resulting in a reduction in the legally required prevailing rates in many construction trades in much of the state. This report analyzes data to determine if this change in fact lowered the cost of public…

This publication focuses on four school adaptive reuse projects--in Phoenix, Arizona; Wake County, North Carolina; Pomona, California; and Trenton, New Jersey. Together, the projects illustrate the many benefits of adaptive reuse and show that mainstream school districts can meet the regulatory and political challenges necessary to make such…

This guidebook was developed by California's Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) to assist school districts in applying for and obtaining "grant" funds for the new construction and modernization of schools under the provisions of the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998 (Senate Bill 50). It is intended to be an overview…

This document presents an analysis of the prevailing wage laws' impact on public school construction costs in Maryland. The document also provides a comparison of school construction costs of Mid-Atlantic states with prevailing wage laws as well as comparisons between Maryland jurisdictions with and without these laws. The discussion examines the…

A presentation paper examines the planning, coordination, design, and phasing of construction required for a new 340,000 sq.ft. high school (Chantilly High School, Fairfax, Virginia) plus adding 46,000 sq. ft. to the facility while keeping the educational program for 2,100 students active. The project's scope is outlined, followed by the design…

Feelings about State funding of schools, how it works, what it portends are mixed in Maryland. With many another State seeing similar funding as an alternative to other ways of financing school construction, it is well worthwhile looking into all aspects of the issue. (Author)

The University of Rhode Island built their new dorms in a shortened time with the new concept of buying the building as a total package, instead of purchasing separate services of an architect, contractor and others. (Author/PG)

Provides pictures, selected construction statistics, and a blueprint. (JH)

Discusses the many types of and uses for instant schools from air-supported vinyl structures to prefabricated modular units. (JF)

Proven construction techniques implemented by an efficient construction management can save both time and money for school boards. (Author)

Successful school construction projects require careful planning. School boards and administrators should consider architectural firms and contracts carefully. Reduce costs by hiring subcontractors, requiring documentation for proposed changes, negotiating frequent site visits by architect, organizing board subcommittee to review work, and…

Deals with charges of corruption, involving losses to the school system of $10 to $15 million from 1977 to 1979, that have tarnished the reputation of the Dallas Independent School District. (WD)

Roof and ceiling systems combine function with flexibility and provide new ideas to "top off" a school building. (Author/MLF)