NIMS is a flexible, plain English organizational framework designed to provide a common standard for emergency management. It is flexible in that the components of NIMS can aid in the development of plans, processes, procedures, agreements and roles for m
From 2008 through 2009, Dr. Pavel Samsonov, of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ran an experiment to see if video conferencing was a viable method of teaching homebound high school students.
In the past, signs were often an afterthought to school design. Too often they still are. Whether they are used for identity, directional, or information purposes, signs should be integrated into the overall design.
When it comes to technology in school districts across the country, not all things are equal. This lack of equality is frustrating to administrators and teachers who embrace the use of technology in the classroom all they can do is wait for upgrade
Given the nation's current budget deficit, President Obama released on February 14, 2011 his proposed budget for fiscal year 2012. For some sectors, the comment has been that this is no Valentine! But for the education sector, it indicated an overall
What does it take to create school facilities now, that can handle challenges in the 21st century? What will students and staff be doing in 2030 that is different from today, and how will the community be involved? How do you create facilities that will a
As I sit watching the news I hear about international competition, our students falling behind, the need to upgrade our math and science programs, school consolidations and workforce development. Call it déjà vu (or maybe old age), but I rem
To make sure that your dynamic facility program is reflected through dynamic furniture, it's important to have user-driven selections. Involving your architect can add value this process through their understanding of the facility design and construc
The new year has started, and for most of us that means our school district has completed about half of the academic year. Now, the task turns to looking forward to projects that will be designed and implemented during the summer recess. This is also a go
If your board room, auditorium, gymnasium or other space has ever been the scene of public protest over an educational facility construction project, or if you have worked tirelessly to pass a referendum only to have it voted down, you can count yourself
In 2011, we are likely to see a loss of non-essential services and aggressive streamlining of others; a greater emphasis on group purchasing and outsourcing; school closures and consolidation; increases in tuition and fees; a reduction in the number of cr
Students are exposed to unsafe situations because of existing hazardous conditions and lack of maintained equipment and facilities. Despite school-conducted safety inspections, many outdoor environments contain playground equipment and open space that is
TDDs, like skylights, provide top light to balance light from exterior wall windows, reduce glare and help provide a natural lighting boost that minimizes the use of electric lights. One manufacturer, Carlisle, calls TDDs "an ideal energy-saving solu
The use of video surveillance cameras in K-12 school has made great strides since the Columbine massacre. Today's systems use computer networks to install more cameras and to monitor them from anywhere. They use megapixel cameras to record more detai
Since 2005, the Salt Lake City School District has been implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM), drastically reducing both pest problems and pesticide use. Last month, the district passed a rigorous 37-point inspection of its program, earning IPM ST
There's a new K-12 education tool in town. This tool fits in the palm of students' hands, so it's highly mobile. It easily slips into students' blue jeans pockets, so it isn't obvious pickings for would-be thieves. The classroom u
If you could look into a crystal ball to see what may come to pass in regard to education, this year's vision, more than any in the recent history, would probably be the most clouded, considering the change in government, the slow recovery of the eco
Pest control is no longer a simple matter to be left to the maintenance staff, but rather everyone, including the facility manager, key administrators, teachers and others have a role to play It may be helpful for a school to have an ongoing health and sa
Many districts have begun to consider changing school boundaries to increase efficiencies and provide a richer educational experience for all students. However, determining new boundaries and consolidating existing facilities are challenging tasks with si
Signed into law in December, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 offers a number of provisions addressing school nutrition and school lunch program operations. In general, the provisions will provide money, support systems, greater accountability an