It's time we take an honest look at the factors that got us to this point. But in the meantime, we need to stop pointing fingers and start taking action. I had high hopes for the economic stimulus package, but as of this writing I'm not all that
The paradoxical problem of communicating in gymnasiums is that when the message is loud enough to be heard, it's often too loud to be understood. The right design, with appropriate balances of reflective and absorbent materials, could eliminate acoustic p
Areas experiencing declining enrollments are presented with both opportunities and challenges. Declining enrollments permit districts to implement desired program changes that were formerly not possible. Conversely, districts are faced with making the mos
Part of a school's appeal is based on its reputation for providing a safe, secure, and convenient environment for its staff and students. An administrator's attention to fire and life safety systems should enhance the school's status withou
School districts are facing a series of unpleasant and difficult fiscal choices in this current recessionary environment. Given the recent steep spikes in gas and food prices, now is the time for some creative thinking as to how best to manage the preciou
What can schools implement now to already existing facilities that will lower their energy costs and move them toward being green? While few schools in the United States are officially labeled "green" construction, there are many s
Signed by President Obama Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is intended to help with economic recovery. While we continue to receive updates on the ARRA in the form of press releases and through the news abo
Even districts located in heavy snow zones can be surprised by a sudden snowstorm. The surprise can cause even more of a shock to those located in areas where it doesn't snow much or often. Preparation can keep the confusion and damage to the academi
Reasons for choosing homeschooling vary, but the main reasons cited in the brief were: the child has a physical or mental health problem; the child has special needs; parent's belief in a non-traditional approach to education; dissatisfaction with ac
2009 heralds the implementation of the much-anticipated evolution of the United States Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system. This overhaul incorporates eight years of user feedback
By the time this issue is in your hand, the nation will have inaugurated its 44th President, Barack Obama. Prior to being sworn into office, he announced that he would implement an economic stimulus package that, among a number of other things, would incl
A school can easily seem like a prison to students, staff, and parents. Improper design, hallway color schemes, poorly designed or implemented access control systems, and even impolite staff can create this resemblance. At the same time, careful planning
Moving toward universal design hasn't been without its challenges, but Pennsylvania's Edinboro University is a leader. Here's a look at the school's history and success in creating space that everyone can use.
A lack of software interoperability can make deploying new technology in a school a challenging task. The School Interoperability Framework Association (SIF Association) addresses the problems of software interoperability through their creation of a stand
All components that make up a school from interior classrooms and hallways to exterior playgrounds and entrances are now built with universal access as a fundamental component of the overall design process, making it easier for all children
IP-based access control is fast becoming the technology of choice for schools by enabling their access control system to reside on the existing network.
An eight-year, $260M expansion project that began in 2004 at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District involves renovating many of its 29 existing campuses and building eight new campuses. Besides a major investment in bricks and mortar, the district i
Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, in Elmhurst, IL, welcomed the public to tour the newly renovated and expanded Hawthorne Elementary School. A special dedication to celebrate the completion of the school's $16M makeover was held in Septemb
Undoubtedly, audio visual and presentation system technologies are becoming increasingly embedded components of classroom instruction. Administrators must evaluate its relevance and rigor what's being used, how and why it's being used, ho
No one out there will disagree that 2008 has not been without its challenges, but those of us who have grown up in the industry have met challenges like this before and won and I am confident that we will again. In addition to the economy, there ha