Editor's Note: Another School Year Comes to an End

Thanks for picking up the Spring 2023 issue of Spaces4Learning! Within these pages—or with the scroll of a finger—you’ll get a taste of some of the most pressing issues facing educational facilities today. From space design, to using ESSER funds to improve school HVAC systems and indoor air quality, to sustainability, to modernizing a high-school library, there’s a lot for facilities managers to juggle. Fortunately, industry experts are here to offer their two cents and provide guidance on how to proceed.

It always bears mentioning that our print magazine is just one of our outlets that helps you stay up-to-date on school facilities news and trends. Our website offers news briefs and contributions from industry professionals. Our eNewsletters deliver that news straight to your inbox for your convenience. The Schools in Focus podcast takes a monthly deep dive into issues like campus safety, architecture and design, indoor air quality, and more. The accompanying Viewpoints—free to download—allow you to read transcripts of podcast conversations with accompanying links and additional information. And we invite you to attend our editorial and vendor webinars, where you’ll see presentations on the timeliest topics to stay abreast of—complete with Continuing Education Credits!

Speaking of webinars—be sure to join us in June for the first-ever Spaces4Learning Virtual Summit! On Tuesday, June 13, we’ll offer two higher-education-themed sessions on learning spaces and classroom design with a third session regarding the best solutions to issues discussed. We’ll follow that up on Thursday, June 15, with two similar K–12-themed sessions. There’s still plenty of time to register for the free event!

Also in events news, our sister publications THE Journal and Campus Technology are hosting a conference from Nov. 7 through Nov. 9 in Orlando, Fla.! “Tech Tactics in Education” offers hands-on learning, practical tips, and strategic discussions on critical cybersecurity issues and key data infrastructure and practices across K–12 and higher education. Access the latest thinking on current and emerging technology, data, and security trends impacting education institutions, as well as models for implementation, best practices, and strategies for effective technology leadership. Sign up by June 30 to save $175 on registration costs!

Industry news never stops, which is we’re on top of it so you don’t have to be. Keep up with us for tips and advice on how to create and maintain safe, welcoming, nurturing educational environments for students of all ages.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

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  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

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    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.