Maintenance & Operations
For everything you need to know on the maintenance side, look below for the latest on operations and facilities management, grounds maintenance and transportation. |
Outlook 2010: School, university budgets under pressure from continued money woesBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) No one knows with certainty how severe the economic collapse would have been without federal intervention, but it's clear that even with stimulus relief, many schools and universities will have to continue to address financial obstacles that threaten... |
Outlook 2010: Stimulus helps education institution stay afloat, but for how long?By Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted by Congress in 2009 was a life preserver for many states and education institutions, helping to rescue budgets for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years.... |
Outlook 2010: Funding crunch could lead to larger class sizesBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) No one knows with certainty how severe the economic collapse would have been without federal intervention, but it's clear that even with stimulus relief, many schools and universities will have to continue to address financial obstacles that threaten... |
Outlook 2010: Advances in technology provide more learning opportunities for studentsBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) Computers and Internet connections have become classroom fixtures for today's students, but schools and universities can't afford to take time and savor that accomplishment.... |
Outlook 2010: Student enrollment projections show growth in West, decline in NortheastBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) At the preK-12 level, student enrollment is projected to increase every year until at least 2018. But the overall national figures obscure significant differences in growth from region to region.... |
Outlook 2010: States seeking savings may try to merge school systemsBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) As economic hard times continue for many school systems, several states are pursuing, or at least considering, the politically thorny step of merging small districts.... |
Outlook 2010: Federal Race to the Top contest provides incentives for school reformBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) One highly publicized element of the economic recovery package for schools is the Race to the Top Fund, a school reform measure that is enticing districts with $4 billion that will be award to states in a national competition.... |
Outlook 2010: Energy conservation can help schools save sparse fundsBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) A key aspect of sustainability is using energy efficiently. Schools and universities have plenty of opportunities to upgrades facilities and equipment to conserve energy and save money.... |
Outlook 2010: Tight job market sparks big jump in community college admissionsBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) At the postsecondary level, one byproduct of the ailing economy is a dramatic spike in the enrollment of students in community colleges.... |
Outlook 2010: Funding setbacks slow building projects on some campusesBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) The poor economy has slowed construction plans for some schools and universities, but many education institutions that have available funding are able to take advantage of... |
Outlook 2010: Preventive maintenance is key for schools trying to conserve resourcesBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) Improving maintenance management is one way a school or university can improve facility operations without a huge capital investment.... |
10 Steps for Success in 2010By Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) While enduring severe financial setbacks, schools and universities must continue to deliver high-quality education to students.... |
10 Stimulating IdeasBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) The federal government's economic recovery package provides many avenues for schools and universities to receive financial help for their facilities.... |
Minding the GapBy Mark Dilworth How to integrate design, capital funding and academic planning during a recession.... |
Life ChoicesBy Joe Agron (jagron@asumag.com) The concept of life-cycle costing is getting increased attention from education institutions — and rightly so.... |
Savvy SpendingBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) Incorporating life-cycle costing into facility decisions enables schools and universities to have buildings that operate efficiently for the long term.... |
Measured SuccessBy Tom Keating Measuring cleanliness can foster feelings of respect among students and the staff responsible for keeping schools clean and healthful.... |
MaintenanceBy Mike Kennedy (mkennedy@asumag.com) Despite budget constraints, custodial staffs shouldn't ease up on cleaning standards.... |
Secure RidesBy Bret E. Brooks Physical security programs can detect, deter, delay and diminish the effects of transportation safety- and security-related issues.... |
Bonds Build InterestBy Joe Agron (jagron@asumag.com) There is no shortage of interest among education institutions looking to capitalize on the $22 billion in tax credits available over the next two years through the Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) program.... |
A Pest-Free ProcessBy Rosemary Hallberg and Janet Hurley Incorporating integrated pest management into the construction process can help ensure an energy-efficient and virtually pest-free school for years.... |
Flooring/CarpetingBy Bob Abrams Backpack vacuum cleaners play an important role in the commercial cleaning industry.... |
Restroom maintenance tips
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools Best Practices Manual for Maintenance and Operations provide recommendations for maintaining restrooms.... |
One Flu OverBy Susan Lustig (slustig@asumag.com) This spring, many people across the country were scrambling for masks and hand sanitizer. The National Pork Producers Council was trying to do damage control (and maybe still is).... |
Healthful CleaningBy Charles P. Gerba The importance of infection control in education institutions.... |
