In its January 2001 issue, American School & University magazine identified the top concerns facing educational administrators in the United States. The information was gathered from a variety of sources, mostly professional organizations associated with the higher education industry.
Construction, Repair, and Maintenance of Facilities
Administrators at all levels report poor condition of facilities as a major concern. The National Education Association estimates that public school systems nationwide need $322 billion to repair and modernize facilities. The US Department of Education reports that three-quarters of schools need to spend money on repairs, renovations and modernizations. About half of public schools report that at least one building feature is in less than adequate condition. Likewise, colleges and universities are coping with increasing numbers of students, evolving programs, and aging facilities. Colleges project to spend $32.5 billion on construction from 2000 to 2002.
Security and Safety
Following incidents of school violence such as the Columbine shooting, school administrators have begun re-examining their buildings and campuses to see if more equipment or other changes can help students and staff be more secure. Schools also have turned to technology to boost the security in buildings and on campus. Many campuses use electronic locks, computerized identification cards, closed-circuit cameras, and satellite technology to monitor activity.
Technology
Many educators are calling for a computer in every classroom. As technology becomes more pervasive in education, buildings will need to be more capable of handling technology infrastructure. In addition, school officials are beginning to use e-commerce more as an efficient way of purchasing supplies and equipment for their school districts.
Unfunded Mandates
Laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act call upon schools to provide services or accommodations, but the mandates often do not include funding to carry out the provisions of the law. In the absence of funding, districts must become more efficient in other areas such as energy use, maintenance, and purchasing practices.
Incorporating Auxiliary Services
To manage the vast network of departments and divisions on campuses, schools need computer networks that can streamline the flow of information and be compatible with different kinds of equipment and software. Many campuses are making use of magnetic strip cards, which allow students to check out materials from libraries, set up a debit account, pay for meals, and buy materials at bookstores, vending machines, laundry facilities, and other businesses. These facilities will all need to be outfitted with the proper card-reading devices.
For more detailed information, read the full reports on American School & University magazine online.
