From April 25 through June 30, 2007, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy conducted its fifth survey of the privatization of bus, food and janitorial services among Michigan's 552 conventional public school districts. All Michigan school districts responded. In 2007, the Mackinac Center also conducted a nationwide survey of state education…

When students think about the obstacles they must overcome to get into a school, most probably are thinking in terms of SATs, ACTs or other entrance exams. However, for students with disabilities, the obstacles they face often are literal ones: manual doors. Accommodating those with disabilities or physical limitations is one reason for schools to…

A computer reduces electricity and steam costs at Columbia University by turning off one or more air-handling devices for a short period of time if the demand exceeds a pre-set target. (Author/MLF)

Presents two sample "housekeeping report" checklists for use in periodic inspections of school facilities. (JG)

A practical approach designed to reduce energy waste by schools is to improve the knowledge and upgrade the skills of school building custodians. This paper discusses an operation and maintenance training program for custodians developed by the Will County (Illinois) educational service region. The major parts of the program consist of skill…

Procedures are suggested that may be helpful to those responsible for the operation and maintenance of school buildings and gymnasiums. Most schools with gymnasiums utilize them for both instructional and sports purposes. Maintenance of the multipurpose gym are discussed under four subject areas--(1) floors, (2) lighting, (3) sanitation, and (4)…

The two main advantages for using carpeting are noise control and low maintenance costs. Carpet reduces floor instigated or impact noises and is psychologically dignifying. Maintenance costs for carpet are less than for other types of floor coverings because carpet requires less surface preparation. The initial cost of carpet is little, if any,…

In-service training of custodial service employees must be designed so that instruction is clear, concise, and easily understood. The program should include films, discussion groups, demonstrations, and actual participation in hands-on learning situations. (Author)

The Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge campus, has a preventive maintenance program whose activities are scheduled by computer, resulting in savings of over $200,000 per year. (Author)

A plan devised to help students cope with rising education costs has also benefited Colorado State University by trimming more than 9 percent of its labor costs. (Author/MLF)

Examples show that operation and maintenance costs often mean that the cheaper model costs more per hour of use than a more expensive, but longer lasting, model. (MLF)

It is important for school administrators to impress on their tax-paying publics the differences between "savings," which implies budget reductions, and "cost avoidance," which implies what they might be paying if energy reduction measures had not been taken. (Author)

The failure of a roofing system is due to inadequacies in one or more of the elements of design, material, workmanship, and maintenance. Ways to avoid roofing failure are provided. (MLF)

Good school maintenance can save money that can later be used for educational programs. Appropriate activities are listed to obtain community support. Specific areas to be addressed in a district maintenance plan are listed. (MLF)

Precautions and modifications in existing buildings that can prevent and detect fire in schools. (MLF)