Tough Economic Times May Call for Downsizing Facility Resources
School districts are committed to quality educational opportunities for all students. However, when district administrators are confronted with a tight economy, declining enrollment and decreased public funding, it becomes difficult for them to continue to operate all school buildings.
These tough economic times may require districts nationwide to downsize their school facilities. Downsizing and/or consolidating often allows districts to deal with declining enrollment and expected budget shortfalls.
I’m going to come right out and say it: Building a green school doesn’t have to cost a penny more. You’ve heard that green schools save money over time, reducing energy, water and even healthcare expenses. What you may not know is that, these days, a green school can be built for a price comparable to a conventionally designed facility.
Kenneth Trump, president of Cleveland-based consulting firm National School Safety and Security Services, has 25 years of experience at public and private schools in urban, suburban and rural settings. He has worked with jurisdictions in all 50 states and has authored several books and articles on school safety. He discussed the topic with 
Ted Howard remembers the good old days and the not so good old days at Seattle’s Garfield High School.
