Informational Videos for School Districts and Communities
Healthy, safe, and educationally appropriate public school buildings and grounds don’t happen by accident. They must be planned. School districts and communities can use these short videos and plan examples to assess whether their communities are using effective practices for educational facilities planning.
In 2016 with the support of the former Education Facilities Clearinghouse at George Washington University, under a U.S. Department of Education grant, the National Council on School Facilities and the 21st Century School Fund developed this resource. State officials moderate each video and describe what is needed for each plan and the best practice processes for developing it. We also compiled examples of each type of plan.
Critical Facilities Planning for K-12 Districts
Moderator: Carl Thurnau, P.E., 2015 President, National Council on School Facilities and Director of Facilities Planning, New York State Education Department.
Abstract: Facilities Plans for Every K-12 School District. Carl describes the five facilities plans that every district should develop and maintain on a regular basis, including: the educational facilities master plan, capital plan, maintenance plan, energy & environmental plan, and safety & emergency operations plan.
Educational Facilities Master Plan
Moderator: Kathleen Moore, 2014 President, National Council on School Facilities. Director of the School Facilities and Transportation Services Division at the California Department of Education.
Abstract: Kathleen describes the importance and value of a K-12 school district facilities master plan and outlines best practices in creating such a plan, including research and stakeholder engagement.
K-12 Safety & Emergency-Operations Plan
Moderator: Gary Schwartz, Ed.D., 2015 Treasurer, National Council on School Facilities. School-Facilities Consultant at the Iowa Department of Education.
Abstract: Gary describes the importance and value of a K-12 school district safety & emergency operations plan and outlines best practices in developing a plan.
School Facilities Maintenance Plan
Moderator: Mike Rowland, 2016 President, National Council on School Facilities. Director of Facilities Services, Georgia Department of Education.
Abstract: Mike describes the importance and value of a district‐wide facilities maintenance plan and outlines best practices in developing a plan for routine and preventive maintenance.
Educational Specifications
Moderator: Barbara Bice, R.A., Chief, School Facilities Branch, Maryland State Department of Education.
Abstract: Barbara describes the importance and value of basing K–12 facilities design and construction on educational specifications (ed specs) developed through a well-designed process of identifying end‐user requirements and engaging stakeholders. She outlines the contents of educational specifications and how to develop them.
Capital Improvement Plan
Moderator: Joseph da Silva, Ph.D., 2017 President, National Council on School Facilities. School Construction Coordinator at the Rhode Island Department of Education.
Abstract: Joe describes the importance and value of a capital plan in the process of setting priorities and fairly and efficiently allocating scarce capital resources.
Energy & Environmental Management Plan
Moderator: Robert Gorrell, 2013 President, National Council on School Facilities. Director of the New Mexico Public School Facilities Authority.
Abstract: Bob describes the importance and value of a K-12 school district energy- & environmental‐management plan in managing costs through available efficiencies and providing safe and healthy environments for students and staff.