Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has awarded $244.4 million in capital facilities grant funding from two state-backed, revolving bond programs for higher education. A total of 92 projects across 23 colleges and universities have received funding to address deferred maintenance, enhance campus safety, and upgrade student facilities. Sheryl Stitt, executive […]
Facilities managers are used to wearing a dozen hats—problem-solver, safety officer, IT liaison, compliance expert. But today, that job’s gotten even tougher. Whether you’re running a school, hospital, office, or government building, your to-do list includes safety, air quality, compliance, and keeping everything running smoothly with fewer hands on deck. Video surveillance systems have long […]
In facilities management, peer-to-peer connections are among the strongest found in any industry. These relationships are sustained by a shared mission to “roll up our sleeves” and “get our hands dirty” while tackling the complex operational, technical, and organizational issues facing educational and commercial properties. While the unique challenges of this field promote strong bonds, […]
Public restrooms are more than functional spaces; they are touchpoints that shape perceptions of inclusivity, accessibility, and overall user experience for occupants and visitors. Facilities managers and designers increasingly recognize that restroom design can either remove or reinforce barriers for people of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From layout considerations to product selection, inclusive strategies […]
More than three-quarters of Americans (77.4%) believe gun detection technology should be deployed in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces like houses of worship, according to a new report from Eagle Eye Networks. The national survey, which polled over 1,000 consumers in 10 major cities, shows strong support for incorporating camera-based gun detection into existing video […]
Vermont schools are working to create asthma-friendly learning environments by improving indoor air quality, reducing asthma triggers, and training staff to help students manage their symptoms. “Asthma can cause missed school days, make it difficult to concentrate, limit play and sports, and just make it harder for kids to learn and enjoy their time at […]
As students and educators get back into the back-to-school groove, a main focus is on a safe and productive year. While there are many aspects to school safety, an often-overlooked component is facility maintenance. Hidden risks, from clogged air filters to expired fire extinguishers, can create serious hazards. SSC Services for Education, a provider of […]
Indiana officials have approved nearly $27.1 million in grants to support security initiatives at 494 schools across the state. The funding comes from the Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) program. Established in 2013 and administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the program issues matching grants to public and private schools, charter schools, and school coalitions. […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it has noticed that many facilities are unknowingly violating hazardous waste disposal regulations. The Agency is encouraging businesses, schools, and other small facilities to double-check how they handle hazardous waste to avoid costly violations. “A common issue is shipping regulated amounts of hazardous waste without first obtaining the required EPA […]
As the school year begins in many areas, new West Virginia University (WVU) research finds poor air quality may keep tens of thousands of students out of school for weeks each year, hitting young students and children of color the hardest. A study by Mustahsin Ul Aziz, a doctoral student in natural resource economics at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture […]