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Campus Operations

Rhode Island K–12 District Partners with ABM Industries to Optimize Operations

The Providence Public School District in Providence, R.I., recently announced a partnership with ABM Industries to enhance the custodial, grounds, and maintenance operations of its 37 schools, according to a news release.

Grants

KidsGardening.org Announce Launch of 2024 Youth Garden Grant

National nonprofit organization KidsGardening.org recently announced the launch of the 2024 Youth Garden Grant, which will provide grants to 50 local youth garden programs, according to a news release.

Campus Renovations

Illinois District Completes $111M Capital Improvement Project

The Berkeley School District in Berkeley, Ill., recently announced the completion of a $111-million Capital Improvement project with the grand opening of a renovation and addition at Riley Intermediate and Northlake Middle Schools, according to a news release.

Architects

Architecture Firm Announces New Higher Education Leader

Baker Barrios Architects recently announced the addition of a new leadership position to its staff, according to a news release. William Maffett, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, MBA has been named as the firm’s new national director of higher education.

New Construction

Minnesota District Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New High School

Owatonna Public Schools in Owatonna, Minn., recently completed construction on a new high school for the district and celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in late September, according to a news release.

Facility Management

IFMA Releases White Paper on Emerging Topics in Facility Management

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the release of a new white paper, according to a news release. “Evolution is Never Finished: Insights From IFMA’s Emerging Topics Working Group on How Six Key Topics are Transforming the FM Industry” discusses the implications of six high-impact issues, drivers, and trends in the facility management industry.

Architects

Spiezle Announces Staff Promotion for New Associate Principal

Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., recently announced the promotion of Todd Waskowitz, LEED AP, to the position of Associate Principal, according to a news release. Waskowitz is a 20-year veteran of Spiezle whose contributions include establishing the firm’s Construction Administration department and thousands of K–12 and higher education projects in the Tri-State area.

Campus Safety

Budgeting for Safety: How to Build Storm Shelters that Fit Your School’s Needs

As storm shelter codes adapt to worsening climate conditions, schools are left struggling to meet stringent, unfunded requirements on tight budgets. Every school has a unique set of obstacles and opportunities that require individualized consideration – there is no one-size-fits-all. Still, here are a few key areas to focus on as you consider the most affordable option for your school’s specific needs.

Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

Podcast

Schools In Focus: New Acoustical Solutions — From the Top Down

Acoustics isn't only about creating quite classrooms. It's a critical part of the overall IEQ of a school—from classrooms to nurses' offices to administration spaces. New and better technologies exist to give schools solutions that achieve what is needed in today's world while keeping budget parameters in mind. These acoustical solutions start at the top with ceilings, and not all ceilings are alike. Join us as Sean Browne, Senior Manager of Research & Development for Armstrong World Industries, walks us through choosing the right ceiling to optimize acoustics for better learning experiences.

Sustainability

Awards: Nominations Now Open for 2024 Best of Green Schools Program

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Best of Green Schools Awards program, sponsored by the Center for Green Schools (part of the U.S. Green Building Council) and the nonprofit Green Schools National Network.



Campus Renovations

Colorado IB School Completes Renovations, Additions

International Baccalaureate school Alameda International Junior/Senior High School, part of the Jeffco Public Schools district in Lakewood, Colo., recently opened its retooled campus to the community, according to a news release. The facility was originally built in 1961 and required a series of major renovations to meet the needs of modern students.

New Construction

Houston-Area District Celebrates Opening of New Elementary School

The Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg, Texas, recently celebrated the dedication and grand opening of a new elementary school, according to a news release. Ariadne Mathews Gray Elementary School opened this year with an enrollment of 447 students, local news reports, and was designed in partnership with VLK Architects.

New Construction

Texas District Celebrates Grand Opening of New Elementary School

The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD) recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest facility, Austin Elementary School, according to a news release. The facility was designed by VLK Architects and serves students in grades PreK–1.

New Construction

Florida District Starts Construction on New Elementary School

T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., recently announced that construction has begun on a new facility for the existing Highlands Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla., according to a news release. The new school will replace the existing facility on the same site.

Campus Technology

Airtame, Orangebox Partner to Showcase Integrated Technology, Furniture Solutions

Airtame, developer of a hardware-enabled SaaS platform allowing collaboration in schools, and furniture designer and manufacturer Orangebox recently announced a partnership to demo their solutions in Orangebox’s showroom in New York City, according to a news release.

New Construction

UAB Completes Phase I of STEM Complex Construction

The University of Alabama at Birmingham recently announced that the first phase of construction on a new Science and Engineering Complex is complete, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Hoar Construction on the three-phase project, which will unite all of the university’s basic science undergraduate and graduate programs underneath one roof.

Facility Maintenance

Can Outsourcing Solve Higher Education’s Operational Challenges?

Today’s higher education institutions are faced with a myriad of operational complexities in the pursuit of academic excellence. Staffing, student well-being, maintenance, sustainability, and operations management challenges have only been amplified by the pandemic, decreasing enrollments, aging infrastructure, and funding constraints. The operating environment of educational facilities has undoubtably become more stressful.

K–12 Infrastructure

How Smart Asset Management Can Keep Students Healthy

Although the U.S. has officially declared an end to the COVID public health emergency, the concept of a healthy educational facility has taken on a new meaning, especially as Hurricane Hilary impacts daily life in Southern California, leaving flood watches and warnings in its wake.

Storm Shelters

Storm Shelters’ Growing Importance in Schools

Reliable storm shelters must include the engineering necessary to ensure safety, comply with required guidelines and create comfort during emergencies.

Campus Facilities

FAU Temporarily Closes Building that Opened This Year

Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, Fla., recently announced the temporary closure of an academic building that was completed in Nov. 2022 and opened in January of this year, according to local news.

New Construction

University of Cincinnati Plans Demolition, Replacement of Campus Landmark

The University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently announced plans to demolish and replace campus landmark Crosley Tower, according to local news. The 16-story concrete structure is set for to come down beginning in January 2026 to make room for a new academic and research facility.

New Construction

Nebraska to Open Boys Town Education Center

The village of Boys Town, Neb., recently announced that the Boys Town Education Center has opened its doors to students in time for the fall 2023 semester, a news release reports. The town is a National Historic Landmark and serves as the headquarters of Boys Town, one of the largest non-profit childcare organizations in the U.S.

New Construction

DFW-Area K–12 District Breaks Ground on New STEAM Academy

Last week, the Waxahachie Independent School District near Dallas, Texas, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new STEAM school, according to a news release. The Wilemon STEAM Academy will have space for about 800 students in grades K–5 and was designed by VLK Architects.

Healthy Schools

Three Truths About Meeting Sustainability Mandates in K–12 Schools

Today’s K–12 leaders are tasked with everything from adhering to rigorous academic standards to implementing operational procedures to building healthy school communities, and for many, sustainability unintentionally falls to the bottom of the priority list. Further, the cost of taking on green initiatives is on the rise, making it even more of a challenge for financially strapped school districts to meet sustainability expectations and commitments.

Campus Audio

Whitman College Aquatic Facility Adopts Atmosphere Audio Control System

Located in the heart of Washington state’s wine country, Whitman College in Walla Walla boasts an impressive academic record and an even more outstanding array of state-of-the-art facilities to attract and retain students and faculty.

New Construction

Longwood University Completes Work on Joan Perry Brock Center

Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently announced that construction work is complete on the Joan Perry Brock Center, according to a news release. The arena and convocation center measures in at 72,000 square feet, has a seating capacity of 3,020, and will play home to the university’s basketball program.

New Construction

Colorado K–12 District Breaks Ground on New High School

The Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, Colo., recently broke ground on a new facility for New Vista High School, according to local news.

Campus Renovations

San Diego Neighborhood Debuts New TK–12 Campus

Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced the completion of the Logan Memorial Education Campus in the Logan Heights area of San Diego, Calif., according to a news release.

Healthy Schools

Surviving Extreme Heat in K–12 School Facilities

Extreme heat is becoming more and more of a problem during the early and late weeks of the school year. To prevent hot temperatures and poor air quality from being an issue for K–12 facilities, it’s important for school leaders to be proactive in their preparation.

New Construction

Chaffey College to Build New Library Learning Commons

Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., recently announced a construction initiative that will replace its existing library with a new Library Learning Commons, according to a news release.

Cybersecurity

University of Tulsa Launches Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute

The University of Tulsa in Tulsa, Okla., recently announced the launch of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, which will focus on research to identify, test, and develop new cyber-workforce and cybersecurity solutions, according to a news release.

Campus Parking

University of Kentucky Introduces UK Parking MobilePay

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently launched a new service to help the community pay for parking at meters and visitor lots around campus, according to a university news release.

Campus Security

Michigan K–12 District Adopts Gun Detection Solution

Adrian Public Schools in Lenawee County, Mich., recently announced that it has deployed ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection solution to protect students, faculty, and staff against the backdrop of a rise in active shooter events, according to a news release.

Staffing

Wold Architects & Engineers Adds Three to Leadership Team

Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has promoted three of its staff members, according to a news release.

New Construction

University of Southern Maine Opens First On-Campus Dorm

The University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine, recently celebrated the opening of its first on-campus residence hall and a new parking garage, according to local news.

New Construction

Ryan Companies Announces Slate of Charter School Projects Across Southeastern U.S.

Commercial real estate solutions provider Ryan Companies U.S., Inc., recently announced that it has completed four charter schools in the southeastern United States in time for the 2023–24 academic year.

New Construction

Texas K–12 District Debuts Two New Schools for New School Year

The Manor Independent School District in Manor, Texas, recently celebrated two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two new schools opening just in time for the 2023–24 academic year, according to a news release.

Healthy Schools

Hygiene and Cleanliness are Top-of-Mind this Back-to-School Season

Summer is flying by, which means a new school year is around the corner. As students begin to fill the hallways, so does an inevitable influx of germs and illnesses. A successful school year starts with creating a safe and healthy environment to welcome students back. Prepare your building for a new school year with these hygiene and cleaning recommendations.

Campus Security

Best Practices for Ballistically Protecting Your School

Ballistically protecting a school can be a daunting and complicated task. Focusing on practical best practices streamlines the process and makes your efforts more effective.

New Construction

University of Alabama at Birmingham Breaks Ground on New Engineering School

The University of Alabama at Birmingham recently announced that it celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the new home for its School of Engineering, according to a university news release.

Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

Podcast

Schools In Focus: You Can't Build Your Way to Net Zero

This episode’s guest is Lori Ferriss, architect with the Boston firm Goody Clancy and Chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment. We’ll discuss how colleges and universities can’t just build their way to net zero in the quest for carbon neutrality—it’s impossible to achieve carbon neutrality without reducing the operational emissions of existing buildings.

Indoor Air Quality

Your School’s Unseen Health Threat: Indoor Air Quality

With the start of a new school year, the health & wellness of students, teachers, and school district employees has become—more than ever—a top priority and concern.

Campus Amenities

Solving the Challenges of Printer Jams, Card Waste, and Long Lines at the One Card Office

NC State University One Card offices face tough challenges trying to serve tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff. Every person needs an ID card to access various aspects of campus life, from entering residence halls and other buildings to linking to debit accounts and proving student status to participate in university activities. One Card office challenges include improving printer efficiency, reducing card waste, and eliminating the hassles of having to visit one central location to pick up cards.

Campus Renovations

Minnesota Middle School Begins $24M Renovation, Addition Project

Construction firm Kraus-Anderson recently announced that work has begun on a $24-million renovation project for Central Middle School in White Bear Lake, Minn., according to a news release.

Faculty Housing

Classy Move: Using Excess School Land to Build Faculty Housing

By championing affordable housing development for teachers, school districts can take a major step forward in ensuring the hiring and retention of the best faculty possible.

Funding

UNT-Frisco Receives $3M Gift to Launch Campus Career Center

The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, recently announced that it has received a $3-million gift that will go toward student scholarships and building out the university’s branch campus—Frisco Landing—in Frisco, Texas.

New Construction

William & Mary Begins 10-Year, $700M Campus Improvement Plan

The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., recently announced that construction has begun on a ten-year project that will lead to the replacement or renovation of 80% of on-campus residences, according to college news.

Campus Technology

Gladewater ISD Selects Smart Board for Ease of Use

If you’re purchasing a smart board for your school, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options out there. However, in my own purchasing experience as director of technology for Gladewater ISD, it came apparent rather quickly what interactive displays features meaningfully made a difference among competing smart boards.

Architects

New Educational Learning Designer Joins DLR Group

Design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has hired a new educational learning designer, according to a news release. Former teacher and K–12 administrator Dr. Tim Shimp will offer his experience from the trenches to help provide high-impact, innovative, and engaging learning environments out of the firm’s Chicago office.

Campus Renovations

Illinois Junior High Plans Expansion into Full Middle School

A junior high school in Illinois recently announced that construction has begun to expand its facility into a full-service, modern middle school, according to a news release.

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