American School & University - September/October 2025

September/October 2025 asumag.com | schooldesigns.com

ALSO INSIDE: HVAC

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Facility Planning

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Is the enrollment decline for many large districts in 2023-24 a lingering effect of the pandemic or something more permanent?

Lewis C. Cassidy Elementary is in the School District of Philadelphia, the ninth largest in 2023-24.

Halkin Mason Photography

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS

V O LU M E 9 8 • I S S U E 1 • S E P T E M B E R / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 5

20

COVER STORY

30 33 DEPARTMENTS Is the enrollment decline for many large districts in 2023-24 a lingering effect of the pandemic or something more permanent?.

10 Inside

Maintenance

12 Construction Zone

Classrooms/Learning Spaces

16 Knowledge Center

FEATURES

HVAC

30 All hands on deck

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of handwashing, and it remains a key strategy to prevent illness and disease.

33 An academic and social hub

Fire-rated glazing enhances a sense of community in the University of Pittsburgh’s medical school building.

42 Profiles

People, Places and Goings-on

VIEWPOINTS 35 Facility Planning

Schools in Vacant Commercial Space

ALSO IN EVERY ISSUE ...

6 EDITOR’S FOCUS

8 ON THE WEB

37 PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

40 MARKET PLACE

41 AD INDEX

American School & University (USPS Permit 023-180, ISSN 0003-0945 print, ISSN 2161-7791 online) is published 7x a year (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, July, August, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec) by Endeavor Business Media, LLC., 201 N. Main St., 5th Floor, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American School & University, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualified subscriptions. Subscription prices: U.S. ($ 123.75); Canada/Mexico ($ 98.75); All other countries ($ 123.75). All subscriptions are payable in U.S. funds. Send subscription inquiries to American School & University, PO Box 3257, Northbrook, IL 60065-3257. Customer service can be reached toll-free at 877-382-9187 or at americanschool@omeda.com for magazine subscription assistance or questions.

Printed in the USA. Copyright 2025 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.

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■ editor's focus

By the numbers

By Mike Kennedy

S EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Bruce Mather Executive Director of Facilities Management Elmhurst College, IL Martin Montaño Capital Projects Administrator Rio Rancho Public Schools Rio Rancho, NM James E. Rydeen FAIA, Armstrong Torseth Skold and Rydeen, Inc. Minneapolis, MN

omewhere out there is a school district where the enrollment is not too large and not too small—and maybe Goldilocks is the superintendent.

In the real world, public school systems are subject to the ebbs and flows of enrollment figures, and no one can say with certainty what size is “just right.” Is it the massive New York City school system with more than a million students? Is it a district that encompasses an entire state, like Hawaii? Is it one of the more than 6,800 school systems in the United States with fewer than 500 students?

In Vermont, where only one of the state’s 119 districts has as many as 4,000 students, the sentiment appears to be that those school systems are too small. A state task force is working now to recommend a reorganization and consolidation of Vermont’s schools that would reduce the number of districts to between 10 and 25, each of which would have between 4,000 and 8,000 students.

Those seeking larger districts of similar sizes envision school systems operating more efficiently and resources distributed more equitably. Whether Vermont lawmakers can take those recommendations and navigate the bureaucratic and political obstacles to approve such an overhaul remains to be seen.

But large districts aren’t always the answer.

Many patrons of the Alpine (Utah) school district felt that the 87,000-student system had become too big and its bureaucracy was not as responsive to the needs of students and their families as a smaller district would be.

In November 2024, voters decided that Alpine’s days as one of the nation’s largest school systems were over. Two different ballot questions were approved that carved out a central district and a west district from the Alpine district; the part of the district left behind will become a third district labeled the south district.

The three smaller districts will begin operations in 2027.

So whether a district is too large or too small depends on your vantage point. The annual AS&U 100 that appears in this issue makes note of the largest school systems. Their sheer size means they operate more schools, spend more money and affect more people. But the list makes no conclusions about which size is “just right.” 

Senior Editor Mike Kennedy has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

Showcase your insights, leadership, projects and more American School & University is the publication for thought leaders shaping school and university facilities. The November 2025 Architectural Portfolio issue is the guidebook for those planning interior learning environments. Q&A pages are a unique, costeffective way to show your expertise in this special magazine devoted to the best in educational interiors and facility planning.

Contact Heather Buzzard at hbuzzard@asumag.com or visit SchoolDesigns.com for information.

6 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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■ on the web | asumag.com www.asumag.com www.schooldesigns.com VP/MARKET LEADER— BUILDINGS & CONSTRUCTION Mike Hellmann • mhellmann@endeavorb2b.com CONTENT DIRECTOR/ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Joe Agron • jagron@endeavorb2b.com SENIOR EDITOR Mike Kennedy • mkennedy@asumag.com ART DIRECTOR Julie Whitty • jwhitty@endeavorb2b.com AWARD PROGRAM MANAGER Heather Buzzard • hbuzzard@endeavorb2b.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Stephen Ashkin; Paul Erickson; American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education SENIOR PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGER Greg Araujo • garaujo@endeavorb2b.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Sheila Ward • sward@endeavorb2b.com

ENDEAVOR BUSINESS MEDIA, LLC CEO | Chris Ferrell COO | Patrick Rains CRO | Paul Andrews

Judge says freeze on Harvard’s federal funding is unconstitutional

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federal judge has ruled that the federal research funding freeze imposed on Harvard University is unconstitutional.

The Washington Post reports that U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs found that the cancellation of billions of dollars in research grants and other actions by the Trump administration amounted to “retaliation, unconstitutional conditions, and unconstitutional coercion.”

The judge’s ruling vacated the government’s freezing of grants to Harvard and barred the government from

M

issouri State University in Springfield is launching Bears Share, a pilot program designed to help fight food insecurity among students and reduce food waste on campus.

The university says the program will provide students with timely access to leftover food from campus meetings and events, creating an immediate benefit to students facing barriers, while also promoting sustainability. According to a 2020 U.S. Department of Education study, 23% of undergraduate and 12% of graduate students in the United States experience food insecurity each year.

Here’s how Bears Share works: When a campus event

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ends, organizers may submit a form that will automatically notify enrolled students.

The notification will inform students in the program of the location of the food, the type of food available and the event’s end time. Students will then have 20 minutes to collect a serving. https://asumag.com/55313796

Air quality problems will close Arizona elementary for months

CALO | Tracy Kane

SUBSCRIPTION CUSTOMER SERVICE: (847) 559-7598 americanschool@omeda.com

https://asumag.com/55314138

Missouri State University program addresses food insecurity

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freezing or terminating grants in the future under similar reasoning.

Burroughs also granted Harvard’s request for summary judgment on civil rights law. She ruled that the administration had not followed the requirements of Title VI before terminating research grants. She also found the administration had violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), which sets out rules for how the government makes decisions.

Google

A

n elementary school in Phoenix, Arizona, will be closed at least through winter break as the

campus undergoes roof repairs and deals with air quality troubles.

The Ahwatukee Foothills News reports that the extended closing of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School comes after mounting complaints about odors detected during a roof replacement at the school. Students are being temporarily relocated to two other schools in the Kyrene district.

Replacing the roof is expected to take several months and will not be finished by fall break, Superintendent Laura Toenjes said. https://asumag.com/55311083

$62 million stadium opens at Buford, Ga., high school

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uford High School in Buford, Georgia, has officially opened a $62 million, 10,000-seat football stadium.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Buford City district unveiled Phillip Beard Stadium at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The stadium has two floors of modern infrastructure; it has 15 luxury suites that seat 16 people each.

Its most striking feature is a massive video board, paired with a two-sided scoreboard and digital ribbon boards. The two-story fieldhouse has locker rooms for football and cheer on the first floor, and a banquet hall with a warming kitchen and balcony on the second.

Buford City School

A pedestrian bridge connects the stadium to the high school and a tailgating area in the parking lot.  https://asumag.com/55306113

8 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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■ inside | maintenance

Older Milwaukee campuses cleared of lead risks

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ll 50 Milwaukee school district campuses built before 1950 that serve elementary students have been cleared of lead risks, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius says.

“We are committed to providing safe and welcoming schools to the community,” Cassellius says. “Successfully addressing lead paint issues is a critical step in this work.”

Earlier this year, the city’s health department identified peeling lead-based paint and lead dust hazards in a number of Milwaukee public school buildings. Several campuses were closed as city and school officials began remediation efforts.

Workers spent much of the summer cleaning and repainting the pre-1950 campuses.

Now that the lead problems at older schools have been addressed, the district says in a news release, it will shift its focus this fall to 52 schools built between 1950 and 1978 that serve elementary students. Because of the decreased use of lead-based paint during this period (lead paint was banned after 1978), the

Milwaukee Public Schools

schools in this group have lower lead risks.

The remediation will be done outside school hours to minimize disruption, the district says. The goal is to complete the work by December 2025.

In Spring 2026, the district will complete final cosmetic painting in some of the first 50 schools where, to prioritize opening the schools safely by September, painting was focused on specific areas that needed to be stabilized.

Chicago school district eliminates 480 custodian jobs

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Chicago Public Schools

aced with a massive budget deficit, Chicago Public Schools is cutting 480 custodian jobs and ending all private custodial contracts.

Chalkbeat Chicago reports that starting Sept. 30, the district will oversee 2,100 full-time custodians and end seven contracts with private custodial companies. The change will mean cutting

about 1,250 private custodians. The move came as the district worked to close a $734 million deficit.

Charles Mayfield, the district’s chief operating officer, said he believes more district oversight will help ensure cleanliness at schools, even with fewer custodians. That includes improved staff training, better monitoring of cleaning supplies, and a mobile app that enables custodians to upload information about rooms they’ve cleaned.

District officials say the custodial changes will save about $40 million, which is part of the $165 million in savings that district officials already announced earlier this summer The Service Employees Intgernational Union, which represents some of the affected custodians, denounced the change and raised concerns about the district’s ability to keep schools clean.

Union Vice President Maria Avila says the layoffs feel as if the district is “throwing us away like we don’t matter.”

$10 million in state funding will address deferred maintenance at Langston University

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angston University has received $10,125,000 from the Oklahoma State Legislature to address deferred maintenance projects.

The Historically Black College or University (HBCU) says it will use the funding to address infrastructure needs at all three of its

campuses, with a particular focus on the Langston campus.

Langston plans to carry out a number of high-impact projects, including HVAC upgrades, plumbing modernizations and various infrastructure improvements that will improve campus safety, accessibility and operational efficiency.

“The funding will help us make prioritized improvements which are essential to providing our students, faculty and staff with the quality learning, working and living environments they deserve,” University President Ruth Ray Jackson said.

Last year, the university received $3.5 million to address deferred maintenance projects, $2.5 million of which is earmarked to replace the roof at Langston’s Oklahoma City campus. 

Langston University

10 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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Better Air Everywhere.

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Classrooms

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Ensuring adequate ventilation to remove indoor air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds, and maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels.

Managing indoor air pollutants generated by physical activity, including dust, sweat, and odors.

Managing high levels of cooking emissions, such as grease, smoke, and odors, which can contribute to poor air quality and pose health concerns for students and staff.

Bathrooms & Locker Rooms

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■ construction zone | classrooms/learning spaces

College of Education building opens at Auburn University

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uburn University in Auburn, Alabama, has opened a $77 million, 167,000-square-foot building for its College of Education.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports that since 1969, much of the College of Education has been housed in the Haley Center. Now the majority of the college will be housed in

the new facility.

The building provides space for three of the college’s four academic units: the Department of Curriculum and Teaching; the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling; and the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology.

Auburn University

108-year-old chemistry building gets $190 million overhaul

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he University of Cincinnati has completed a two-year, $190 million renovation and expansion of one of the oldest facilities on its campus — the Old Chemistry building.

The university says the 108-yearold Old Chemistry now features some of the uniGregory Glevicky/University of Cincinnati versity’s most cutting-edge laboratories, the latest energy efficiencies and modern

conservation measures.

The facility now totals 207,000 square feet and serves three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, according to BHDP, the architect of record for the project.

The updated facility will provide easier access for students navigating campus — along with interdisciplinary lab spaces for students, University Architect Monika Watkins said. The energyefficient building includes bird-safe glass. The patterned windows prevent needless bird strikes like those that kill an estimated 2 billion birds each year in the United States.

Shuttered school building has new life as STEAM-themed high school

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he Syracuse (New York) district has carried out a $100 million renovation of a school building that closed 50 years ago and has transformed it into a high school focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that the opening of STEAM High School is the culmination of a six-year effort to

Google

reimagine the former Central High School as a regional magnet. The campus was constructed in 1903, and the building has been mostly vacant since the school closed in 1975. For its first year, STEAM High will have just ninth graders — about 200. The school plans to add a new group of ninth graders each year until it is fully enrolled with about 1,000 students.

New $179 million campus in New York City is home to 4 schools former Covid-19 testing site in the Queens section of New York City is now home to a $178.85 million state-of-the-art school campus.

Chalkbeat New York reports that the Queens Innovation Center will accommodate students attending four co-located high schools: • The Motion Picture Technical High School, which focuses on film and television careers • Northwell School of Health Science, which aims to train students in health care careers • Gotham Tech High School, a three-year-old school that specializes in robotics • P993Q, which serves students with significant learning challenges.

New York City School Construction Authority

A

The six-story, 3,066-seat facility is part of an effort to address crowding in New York City schools.

12 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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■ construction zone | classrooms/learning spaces

Former Louisville church will become a “STEAM hub” for local college immons College of Kentucky, a Historically Black College (HBCU) in Louisville, is planning to convert a former church into a facility for STEAM programs.

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that transforming the former Christ the King Church in West Louisville into a higher education facility will cost $32 million, and college officials hope to have it ready for students in 2028.

Once completed, the building will be equipped with medical labs, computer-aided design labs, an aviation simulation lab, performing arts space and more, Simmons College Chief of Staff Myra Rock said.

The new campus, dubbed a “STEAM hub,” will house programs focused Google on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Rock said the campus will focus particularly on four academic categories: aviation, engineering, performing arts and medicine.

The Archdiocese of Louisville closed the Christ the King Parish earlier this year and donated the 34,000-square-foot building to Simmons College for educational use.

New middle school for Fort Campbell in Kentucky

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he Department of Defense has completed construction of a middle school at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.

Christian County Now reports that the 167,000-square-foot facility is replacing the 58-year-old Mahaffey Middle School. The new middle school will hold around 700 students in grades five to seven.

The school has neighborhood instructional areas with 35 flexible learning studios and labs for hands-on STEM activities along with special education classrooms. There is also a gym, a common area for gatherings, and a dedicated performance arts space. Out-

doors there is a new artificial turf soccer field and baseball and softball fields.

Michael O’Day, a spokesman for the Department of Defense Education Activity, said Mahaffey needed to be replaced because of its deteriorating condition. It was constructed in 1967 and no longer complied with multiple safety and energy standards.

It was the only middle school on the base.

Fort Campbell/Instagram

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Computer science facility opens at University of Illinois Chicago

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he University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has opened a 135,000-square-foot computer science facility that will unite researchers and students in computer science, data science and engineering under one roof.

The Computer Design Research and Learning Center is organized around a five-story, light-filled atrium and will provide

research and learning spaces for the College of Engineering’s UIC Department of Computer Science, the academic home of about 2,100 undergraduate students.

The Center has 16,000 square feet of classroom space, 21 faculty research labs and a 1,200-square-foot robotics lab. The first two floors have classrooms, dedicated spaces for computer science students, rooms for tutoring and teaching assistant sessions and an undergraduate learning and community center.

The upper three levels house faculty offices, graduate student workspaces and specialized labs arranged to foster collaboration and discovery.

T

he Mobile County (Alabama) district has completed a $55 million renovation and expansion of John L. LeFlore Magnet High School.

Al.com reports that three years of work have transformed the campus that has been a pillar of Mobile’s Toulminville community since the late 1960s.

The project added more than 164,400 square feet of classroom space to LeFlore. The new LeFlore also incorporates elements designed to improve security, such as enclosed corridors that

enable students to stay indoors while navigating the entire campus.

The modernized campus has computer labs lined with new equipment; a spacious media center; a renovated swimming pool; and spaces for band rehearsals, indoor sports and a culinary program. 

Mobile County Public Schools

$55 million high school renovation in Mobile, Alabama

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■ knowledge center | hvac

HVAC UPGRADE

REDUCES ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Weber State University is replacing outdated HVAC systems with all-electric, all-climate heat pump technology.

Weber State University is retrofitting campus buildings with all-climate, water-source heat pump systems.

Smarter, more comfortable spaces

By Justin Owen

W

Images courtesy of Weber State University

eber State University in Ogden, Utah, is focusing on sustainable campus design by combining energy efficiency and student education through an electrification project. Seeking to become carbon neutral by 2040, the university is replacing outdated HVAC systems with all-electric, all-climate heat pump technology. In the process, the university’s campus is transforming into a living laboratory.

Historically reliant on central steam and chilled water plants for heating and cooling, Weber State has taken steps to retrofit buildings with all-climate, water-source heat pump systems. Roughly half of the campus has already made the switch, and plans are underway to adopt ductless Hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems campuswide. These solutions reduce reliance on refrigerants by circulating water indoors.

One of the installations is in the Noorda Engineering, Applied Science & Technology Building, home to the university’s electrical, mechanical and energy engineering programs. There, components of the VRF system, including condensers, fan coils and branch controllers, are labeled and exposed, enabling students to study and interact firsthand with the innovative technology. Hands-on access gives students real-world insights into the all-climate heat pump systems increasingly being adopted across industries.

Another key installation took place in the six-level SkySuites Complex at Stewart Stadium, home of the Weber State Wildcats football team. Completed in 2024, the project features a Hybrid VRF system that services the university’s athletics department, coaching staff offices, press box, 26 suites, 150 club seats and a student-athlete study area.

Weber State University installed a Hybrid VRF system in the SkySuites Complex at Stewart Stadium.

Advantages of VRF and Hybrid VRF technology include improved comfort and efficiency provided by zoning. With zoning, each room has its own thermostat, giving occupants control to heat or cool their space to their comfort level. This enables users to avoid heating or cooling unoccupied spaces.

Campuswide, the university has seen energy savings from the heat pump system—in some cases reducing the energy usage by 70% to 80%. These results translate to lower utility bills and more funding available for renewable initiatives like solar power.

Weber State has also embraced smart energy controls that optimize temperature based on occupancy and light levels.

Sustainable, energy-conscious campus Weber State is creating an energy-conscious campus through a strategic mix of VRF and Hybrid VRF systems. Three upcoming projects will employ this solution, and plans call for expanding it campuswide. The transition to low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants makes energy savings and overall system cost more important than ever, especially with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act on the horizon.

The AIM Act requires that all new commercial refrigeration equipment must use refrigerants with a low GWP by Jan. 1, 2026. This transition is designed to reduce the environmental impact of building operation. By redesigning around new refrigerants, VRF manufacturers also will improve equipment efficiency, yielding more efficient and effective heating and cooling solutions.

Weber State’s shift toward electrification, efficient HVAC systems and hands-on student engagement sets an example for higher education institutions striving to reduce their environmental impact and prepare the next generation of innovators.  Justin Owen is interim director of operations at Weber State University, where he oversees building maintenance, commissioning and sustainability. He manages the university’s revolving green fund, pursues energy rebates, manages energy upgrades to HVAC and lighting systems, and oversees the university’s renewable efforts.

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ADMIX + NUMIX Get in the mix. 100% solid resin resilient, AdMix and NuMix homogeneous tile is designed to withstand the most demanding environments – from corridors to cafés, labs to learning spaces.

A continuous construction designed for longevity, AdMix and NuMix are easy maintain and backed by a 25-year commercial limited warranty. With a terrazzo-inspired visual in a range of colors from tonal neutrals to saturated hues, it’s design and performance in sync.

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THE POWER OF BELONGING IN

Shaping Student Success

From student centers to social hubs, classrooms to corridors, it’s important to foster a sense of belonging and community across higher education environments. Design that aligns space and experience can drive school spirit and loyalty, promoting student success today and for the future.

A recent study from Varsity Brands Research shows that greater school spirit drives measurable academic and developmental benefits. According to the study, students with high levels of school spirit are nearly twice as likely to enjoy school events and more likely to expect higher education attainment. Promoting school colors, mascots, and cohesive branding is proven to grow this spirit and fuel pride, inclusion, and belonging.

AdMix and NuMix homogeneous tiles were selected for use throughout a range of spaces across NOVA’s campuses.

The terrazzo-inspired patterns with saturated color palettes allowed for branding and zoning with playful geometric accents to emulate the school’s logo. The performance attributes—including maintenance, cleanability, and scratch and stain resistance—provided a trusted flooring solution for spaces large and small.

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■ cover story

Is the enrollment decline for many large districts in 2023-24 a lingering effect of the pandemic or something more permanent?

U

.S. public school enrollment declined slightly in 2023-24, and those smaller numbers are reflected in the AS&U 100 list of the nation’s largest districts.

The 100 largest districts range from New York City, with 1,058,061 students in 2023-24, to the Horry County (South Carolina) district, with 48,205 students. Each of those school systems had small year-to-year enrollment increases, but they were the exception—65 of the 100 largest districts reported lower enrollment in 2023-24 than the previous school year. In the aggregate, the 100 districts enrolled 10,684,000 students in 2023-24, about 26,000 fewer than the 10,710,000 students enrolled in 2022-23.

The overall decline in enrollment follows two years of modest increases as schools recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Public school enrollment rose gradually each year from 2011-12 through 2019-20, when nearly 50.8 million were

attending U.S. public schools. Covid-19 shut down schools in March 2020 and the ongoing effects on school operations were reflected in a nationwide drop of more than 1.4 million when students were counted in 2020-21.

Numbers rose slightly in 2021-22 and 2022-23; the National Center for Education Statistics reported 49,618,464 public school students in 2022-23, but the 2023-24 number dropped to 49,516,361.

The data for the AS&U 100 are collected from state departments of education, individual districts and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In some cases, numbers from one source do not agree with another source because of differences in how the figures are calculated (e.g., the date used to determine a year’s enrollment, or whether charter school numbers are included in a district’s overall enrollment.)

Richard H. Hungerford School is part of the New York City school system, the nation’s largest district in 2023-24.

Taylor Photo

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TOP 100 District

State

2023-24 enrollment

2022-23 enrollment

Change

% change 1-year

1998-99 enrollment

25-year change%

1

New York City

NY

1,058,061

1,047,895

10,166

0.97%

1,072,628

-1.36%

2

Los Angeles Unified

CA

529,902

538,295

-8,393

-1.56%

695,885

-23.85%

3

Miami-Dade County

FL

337,719

335,929

1,790

0.53%

352,536

-4.20%

4

Chicago

IL

324,862

319,769

5,093

1.59%

430,914

-24.61% 51.83%

5

Clark County

NV

309,397

314,372

-4,975

-1.58%

203,777

6

Broward County

FL

251,408

254,732

-3,324

-1.30%

231,187

8.75%

7

Hillsborough County

FL

224,152

224,538

-386

-0.17%

156,452

43.27%

8

Orange County

FL

207,695

208,445

-750

-0.36%

138,866

49.57%

9

Philadelphia

PA

197,115

197,288

-173

-0.09%

207,465

-4.99%

10

Palm Beach County

FL

191,398

190,567

831

0.44%

146,568

30.59%

11

Houston

TX

184,109

189,934

-5,825

-3.07%

210,179

-12.40%

12

Gwinnett County

GA

182,214

181,814

400

0.22%

98,784

84.46%

13

Fairfax County

VA

180,970

180,127

843

0.47%

149,029

21.43%

14

Hawaii

HI

167,649

168,634

-985

-0.58%

188,069

-10.86%

15

Wake County

NC

161,481

159,778

1,703

1.07%

92,256

75.04%

16

Montgomery County

MD

160,223

160,554

-331

-0.21%

127,933

25.24%

17

Charlotte-Mecklenburg County

NC

144,116

144,197

-81

-0.06%

98,758

45.93%

18

Dallas

TX

139,246

141,169

-1,923

-1.36%

159,908

-12.92% 0.81%

19

Prince George’s County

MD

131,310

131,143

167

0.13%

130,259

20

Duval County

FL

129,094

129,801

-707

-0.54%

127,411

1.32%

21

Cypress-Fairbanks

TX

118,470

118,010

460

0.39%

58,044

104.10%

22

Polk County

FL

116,031

114,483

1,548

1.35%

77,300

50.10%

23

San Diego Unified

CA

114,330

112,790

1,540

1.37%

138,433

-17.41%

24

Baltimore County

MD

110,275

111,083

-808

-0.73%

105,914

4.12%

25

Memphis-Shelby County

TN

110,057

104,944

5,113

4.87%

n/a

n/a

26

Cobb County

GA

106,358

106,703

-345

-0.32%

91,208

16.61% 64.90%

27

Northside

TX

101,095

102,719

-1,624

-1.58%

61,308

28

Lee County

FL

100,064

99,354

710

0.71%

54,779

82.67%

29

Katy

TX

94,785

92,667

2,118

2.29%

30,126

214.63%

30

Jefferson County

KY

94,399

97,912

-3,513

-3.59%

101,438

-6.94%

31

DeKalb County

GA

91,398

92,368

-970

-1.05%

93,171

-1.90%

32

Pinellas County

FL

91,021

93,702

-2,681

-2.86%

110,582

-17.69%

33

Prince William County

VA

90,654

91,180

-526

-0.58%

51,111

77.37%

34

Denver

CO

88,235

87,864

371

0.42%

68,790

28.27%

35

Fulton County

GA

88,043

89,935

-1,892

-2.10%

65,642

34.13%

36

Alpine

UT

87,051

87,136

-85

-0.10%

45,208

92.56% 86.35%

37

Pasco County

FL

85,840

84,032

1,808

2.15%

46,065

38

Anne Arundel County

MD

84,346

84,452

-106

-0.13%

74,079

13.86%

39

Metro Nashville

TN

80,468

77,435

3,033

3.92%

67,016

20.07%

40

Fort Bend

TX

80,206

79,660

546

0.69%

50,890

57.61%

41

Loudoun County

VA

82,028

82,082

-54

-0.07%

26,080

214.52%

42

Greenville County

SC

78,364

77,978

386

0.50%

57,884

35.38%

43

Albuquerque

NM

76,870

80,364

-3,494

-4.35%

85,847

-10.46%

44

Jefferson County

CO

76,172

77,078

-906

-1.18%

88,654

-14.08%

45

Baltimore City

MD

75,811

75,995

-184

-0.24%

106,540

-28.84%

46

Osceola County

FL

74,289

73,558

731

0.99%

30,127

146.59%

47

Brevard County

FL

73,810

74,125

-315

-0.42%

68,681

7.47%

48

Austin

TX

72,830

73,384

-554

-0.75%

79,496

-8.39%

49

Davis

UT

72,499

73,459

-960

-1.31%

59,285

22.29%

50

Conroe

TX

72,352

70,783

1,569

2.22%

32,290

124.07%

22 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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TOP 100 District

State

2023-24 enrollment

2022-23 enrollment

Change

% change 1-year

1998-99 enrollment

25-year change%

51

Fresno Unified

Fl

71,480

72,379

-899

-1.24%

78,942

-9.45%

52

Fort Worth

TX

71,060

72,783

-1,723

-2.37%

77,956

-8.85%

53

Guilford County

NC

67,832

68,894

-1,062

-1.54%

61,154

10.92%

54

Milwaukee

WI

66,842

67,500

-658

-0.97%

99,814

-33.03% 1391.12%

55

Frisco

TX

66,698

66,916

-218

-0.33%

4,473

56

Seminole County

FL

65,443

66,680

-1,237

-1.86%

58,156

12.53%

57

Virginia Beach

VA

65,078

65,550

-472

-0.72%

77,442

-15.97%

58

Washoe County

NV

64,755

64,990

-235

-0.36%

52,813

22.61%

59

Long Beach Unified

FL

64,267

65,826

-1,559

-2.37%

89,214

-27.96%

60

Chesterfield County

VA

64,183

63,962

221

0.35%

50,621

26.79%

61

Elk Grove Unified

CA

63,518

62,957

561

0.89%

42,484

49.51%

62

Volusia County

FL

62,742

63,365

-623

-0.98%

59,851

4.83%

63

Douglas County

CO

61,964

62,872

-908

-1.44%

29,847

107.61%

64

Knox County

TN

60,604

58,879

1,725

2.93%

51,667

17.30%

65

Granite

UT

60,270

61,197

-927

-1.51%

73,474

-17.97%

66

Jordan

UT

59,145

59,421

-276

-0.46%

73,286

-19.30%

67

Aldine

TX

57,844

60,074

-2,230

-3.71%

49,453

16.97%

68

Howard County

MD

57,633

57,676

-43

-0.07%

41,858

37.69%

69

North East

TX

57,374

59,007

-1,633

-2.77%

47,732

20.20%

70

Mesa

AZ

57,061

57,900

-839

-1.45%

71,284

-19.95%

71

San Francisco Unified

CA

55,452

55,537

-85

-0.15%

61,042

-9.16%

72

Forsyth County

GA

54,984

54,077

907

1.68%

14,299

284.53%

73

Arlington

TX

54,750

56,167

-1,417

-2.52%

55,709

-1.72%

74

Klein

TX

53,093

53,712

-619

-1.15%

31,446

68.84%

75

Manatee County

FL

52,895

51,234

1,661

3.24%

34,083

55.19%

76

Cherry Creek

CO

52,419

52,948

-529

-1.00%

40,089

30.76%

77

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County

NC

52,157

52,717

-560

-1.06%

42,847

21.73%

78

Omaha

NE

51,693

51,754

-61

-0.12%

45,118

14.57%

79

Garland

TX

51,659

52,767

-1,108

-2.10%

47,967

7.70%

80

Rutherford County

TN

51,595

50,026

1,569

3.14%

24,682

109.04%

81

St. Johns County

FL

51,434

50,155

1,279

2.55%

18,341

180.43%

82

Washington, D.C.

DC

51,376

50,131

1,245

2.48%

71,889

-28.53%

83

Clayton County

GA

50,832

52,186

-1,354

-2.59%

44,068

15.35%

84

Henrico County

VA

50,464

50,389

75

0.15%

39,995

26.18%

85

Charleston County

SC

50,398

49,929

469

0.94%

43,934

14.71%

86

Corona-Norco Unified

CA

50,256

50,790

-534

-1.05%

33,168

51.52%

87

San Juan Unified

CA

49,857

49,036

821

1.67%

47,799

4.31%

88

Atlanta

GA

49,660

50,325

-665

-1.32%

60,541

-17.97%

89

San Bernardino City Unified

CA

49,407

50,434

-1,027

-2.04%

48,907

1.02%

90

Seattle

WA

49,226

51,528

-2,302

-4.47%

48,280

1.96%

91

El Paso

TX

49,139

50,031

-892

-1.78%

62,945

-21.93%

92

Humble

TX

48,552

48,758

-206

-0.42%

23,855

103.53% -72.07%

93

Detroit

MI

48,476

48,754

-278

-0.57%

173,557

94

Lewisville

TX

48,440

49,060

-620

-1.26%

34,870

38.92%

95

Mobile County

AL

48,433

50,636

-2,203

-4.35%

65,324

-25.86%

96

Capistrano Unified

CA

48,326

49,421

-1,095

-2.22%

42,196

14.53%

97

Cumberland County

NC

48,314

49,661

-1,347

-2.71%

51,297

-5.82%

98

Lake County

FL

48,285

47,452

833

1.76%

27,817

73.58%

99

Collier County

FL

48,282

48,082

200

0.42%

30,790

56.81%

100

Horry County

SC

48,205

47,357

848

1.79%

26,837

79.62%

24 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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Grover Cleveland Charter High School is in the Los Angeles Unified District, the second largest in 2023-24.

Benny Chan

Covid consequences The 2023-24 enrollment decline raises some questions: Is it a lingering effect of the Covid-19 pandemic? Does it reflect an inevitable drop that was anticipated even before the pandemic because of a slowing nationwide birth rate? Or did the response to the Covid-19 pandemic bring about a more permanent change in public school enrollment, as more families decided to homeschool their children or send them to private or charter schools?

The Brookings Institution, in an August 2025 report on declining public school enrollment, looks at those questions.

“The Covid-19 pandemic forced millions of families to rethink where and how their children learn, and the effects continue to reshape American K-12 education,” the report states.

Projections of future enrollment growth suggest that even if families’ schooling decisions return to pre-pandemic habits, the expected overall population decline will reduce public school student numbers in 2050 by 2.2 million.

“If, however, parents keep choosing alternatives at the pace observed since 2020, traditional public schools could lose as many as 8.5 million students,” the report says.

The projected enrollment declines raise two distinct concerns, the Brookings researchers say.

“Students who exit public schools often move into settings that are less regulated and more variable in performance,” the report says. “Those who remain in shrinking districts inherit Englewood STEM High School is tighter budgets because state part of the Chicago school system, the fourth largest in 2023-24. and federal aid is generally Public Building Commission of Chicago tied to enrollment.”

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The Visual and Performing Arts Center in the Cypress-Fairbanks (Texas) district, the 21st largest in 2023-24.

Wade Griffith

On the other hand, some trends that grew in popularity during the pandemic, like homeschooling, may wane in the coming years.

“Homeschooling demands intense parental effort, and as more adults return to on-site work, some families may decide that public schools once again offer the most practical option,” the report says.

Counting by county How a school district has been formed goes a long way in determining whether its enrollment is large enough to appear on the list. More than half of the districts on the 2023-24 list are

countywide school systems—that’s why five of the nation’s 10 largest districts are in Florida.

Florida has 67 counties and had 2.87 million students in 202324 in its 67 school districts. In comparison, Illinois, which has a mix of elementary districts, high school districts and unit (K-12) districts, has a million fewer students than Florida, but spreads them across 851 school districts. So only the Chicago school system makes the AS&U 100 from Illinois.

Los Angeles Unified is already the second largest school district in the United States, but if its boundaries covered all of Los Angeles County, it would be the nation’s largest, with 1.3 million students.

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The nation’s three largest states—California, Texas and Florida—also have the most districts appearing on the AS&U100.

Florida and Texas each have 18, and California has 10. Twenty-six states have no school systems large enough to appear on the list.

Looking back The list of the largest districts doesn’t change much from year to year. Only two of the 100 districts—Lake County in Florida and Horry County in South Carolina—are different from the school systems on last year’s list. But if one goes

HIGHER EDUCATION:

Online has the numbers in higher education

H

igher education institutions with thriving online programs continue to dominate the top of the list of U.S. colleges and universities with the largest enrollments.

The five postsecondary schools that had the most students enrolled in fall 2023 primarily offer online programs. Western Governors University, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, tops the list with 185,015 students, an increase of more than 28,000 compared with fall 2022.

Southern New Hampshire University, based in Manchester, was a close second with 184,099 students. That’s 20,000 more than its fall 2022 number.

The only year-to-year change among the 25 colleges and universities with the largest enrollments was the addition of the University of Arizona in Tucson. With 53,001 students in fall 2023, it placed 23rd on the list and replaced Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, which was 25th on the fall 2022 list.

Overall, the National Center for Education Statistics reported overall higher education enrollment in fall 2023 was about 19.4 million, a 2.5% increase over the 18.9 million enrolled in fall 2022.

TOP 25 HIGHER EDUCATION Institution

Location

Fall 2023 enrollment

Fall 2022 enrollment

1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City UT

185,015

156,935

2

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester NH

184,099

164,091

3

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix AZ

107,563

101,816

4

Liberty University

Lynchburg VA

103,068

96,709

5

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix AZ

101,150

88,891

6

Ivy Tech Community College

Lawrenceburg IN

100,007

89,705 80,065

7

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Tempe AZ

79,593

8

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station TX

76,633

74,014

9

Lone Star College System

The Woodlands TX

70,991

68,415

10

University of Central Florida

Orlando FL

69,233

68,346

11

Dallas College

Dallas TX

66,592

64,156

12

Arizona State University Digital Immersion

Tempe AZ

66,062

62,551

13

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi MD

60,084

55,838

14

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus OH

60,046

60,540

15

New York University

New York NY

57,335

59,144

16

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Urbana IL

56,563

56,916

17

University of Washington-Seattle

Seattle WA

55,620

52,319

18

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis MN

54,890

54,955

19

University of Florida

Gainesville FL

54,814

55,211

20

Northern Virginia Community College

Annandale VA

53,810

51,896

21

Florida International University

Miami FL

53,593

55,609

22

University of Texas at Austin

Austin TX

53,082

52,384

23

University of Arizona

Tucson AZ

53,001

49,403

24

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette IN

52,905

51,528

25

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor MI

52,065

51,225

Willard Middle School is in the Loudoun County (Virgnia) district, the 41st largest district in 2023-24.

Eric Taylor

back 25 years, many urban districts large enough to appear in 1998-99 have seen their enrollment decline significantly.

Among those: New Orleans, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Louis, Oakland, Sacramento, Portland and Tucson.

Over the years, they have been supplanted by school districts in steadily growing suburban areas, especially in states like Texas and Florida. Five of the Texas districts in this year’s AS&U 100—Humble, Cypress-Fairbanks, Conroe, Katy and Frisco—have more than doubled their enrollment since 1998-99.

Frisco, north of Dallas, which had 4,473 students in 1998-99, was nearly 15 times larger in 2023-24, with an enrollment of 66,698.

Fewer and larger None of Vermont’s 119 school districts is close to appearing on the AS&U 100—the entire state’s public school enrollment is less than 84,000, and it has only one district with more than 4,000 students. Declining enrollment, rising costs and funding inequities have convinced lawmakers that the existing system is not sustainable.

So the state has created a School District Redistricting Task Force. Its marching orders are to recommend to the legislature up to three potential configurations that would reduce the number of districts

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from 119 to somewhere between 10 and 25, each of which would have enrollments of between 4,000 and 8,000. Lawmakers would decide in 2026 on the new districts, and they would go into operation in the 2028-29 school year.

“Having bigger districts and fewer superintendent offices is critical to getting more of the money we invest in education to be spent on our kids in their classrooms,” Vermont Gov. Phil Scott said after the task force was established. “Right now, from town to town and district to district, our system is not equitable.

This reform will give us an opportunity to change that, if we stay focused on the fundamentals and follow through.”

Vermont’s push for consolidation follows a longstanding trend of creating larger school systems. NCES statistics show that the United States had 117,108 school districts in 1939-40; in 2023-24, that number had plummeted to about 13,300. But in some cases, the change

York Elementary School is part of the Wake County (North Carolina) district, the 15th largest in 2023-24.

Jim Sink

occurs in the opposite direction, and a district is divided into smaller entities.

That what’s happening in Utah’s largest school system, the 87,000-student Alpine district. Voters decided last year that the school system had become too big and opted to divide it into three smaller systems that would be more responsive to constituents.

Carving up a larger district into smaller units has happened before in Utah. In 2007, part of the Jordan district, which at the time was the state’s largest with about 80,000 students, split away to form the Canyons district. The new district began operating in 2009 with about 33,600 students; the Jordan district’s student numbers dropped to about 48,800 that year. 

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■ feature | washrooms

Frequent handwashing for children and adults is a crucial step in protecting people from disease.

ID 209294963 © Marina Demidiuk | Dreamstime.com

ALL HANDS ON DECK The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of handwashing in schools, and it remains a key strategy to prevent illness and disease.

By Mike Kennedy

A

few years back, handwashing was considered by many people to be one of those tasks that everyone knew was important and beneficial, but more than a few of us didn’t do it as often or as thoroughly as needed to effectively ward off germs and disease.

But the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 transformed handwashing from a perfunctory task to ward off germs to a critical and urgent step for combating a specific and potentially deadly virus. That was especially true in school washrooms, where frequent use by throngs of students and struggles to maintain clean and healthful conditions created real fears about contracting Covid or other illnesses.

Concerns about Covid-19 have subsided in the aftermath of the pandemic, but health advocates continue to emphasize, as they did before the pandemic, that frequent handwashing for children and adults is a crucial step in protecting people from disease.

Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands; because people frequently touch their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands, germs can be transmitted into people’s bodies and cause illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Germs from unwashed hands also

can get into foods and drinks, or be transferred to objects like tabletop and handrails and make people sick.

“Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (e.g., colds),” the CDC says.

Soap and water Schools should encourage cleaning hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends.

“Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” the agency says.

“Integrate hand hygiene lessons in...curricula to regularly remind children of the importance of keeping hands clean.

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water, the CDC says, but it “can be placed in areas where soap and water are not readily available (like cafeterias, classrooms, and gyms, for example) and near frequently touched surfaces, such as water fountains, doors, and shared equipment.”

Schools should build time into daily routines for children and staff to wash hands, “like after bathroom breaks, before lunch, or after playing outside.” Schools also should consider making

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hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol available for teachers, staff and children.

The CDC urges schools to increase access to equipment and supplies needed for handwashing, such as sinks, soap dispensers, portable handwashing stations and hand sanitizer dispensers.

“It is also important to provide a way for children and staff to dry hands by providing paper towels or hand dryers,” the CDC says. “Germs spread more easily when hands are wet, so making sure children and staff have a way to dry hands completely can help keep them safe.”

Surveys say...

Are people washing their hands more consistently after coping with the Covid-19 pandemic? Reports are mixed. The 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey conducted by the Bradley Company found that 79% of those surveyed wash their hands more frequently or thoroughly in response to seasonal virus outbreaks.

On the other hand, 77% of those surveyed say they see people leaving public bathrooms without washing their hands (in the 2024 survey, 68%

reported seeing others forgo handwashing), and 45% of respondents admit that in some of their washroom visits, they have only rinsed their hands and skipped using soap.

The CDC recommends that schools build time into daily routines for children and staff to wash their hands.

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■ feature | washrooms

In a different national survey, the 2025 NFID State of Handwashing Report by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases found that 33% of respondents say they wash their hands more now than they did during the pandemic. On the other hand, 48% say they forget or choose not to wash their hands at key times.

Forgetting is the most common reason reported for not washing hands, but the NFID survey also found that 20% of those surveyed actively choose not to wash their hands, asserting it is unnecessary, they didn’t have time, or were concerned about drying out their hands. Of those who did not wash their hands with soap and water, men are more likely to simply forget, and women are more likely to use alternatives like hand sanitizer.

The NFID survey also found that 26% of those surveyed said they washed their hands more frequently in the fall and winter; Adults 18 to 29 were more likely to alter their handwashing habits based on the season.

“The seasonal variance is understandable given that some respiratory diseases...tend to fall during the fall and winter,” the NFID says. “However, other germs—like those that cause colds, norovirus and other infectious diseases—can spread throughout the year. It’s important to maintain proper hand hygiene year round to help stay healthy.”

The NFID concluded from its survey that although the basics

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of handwashing are familiar to many, more people need to put that knowledge into action.

“The survey highlights a key opportunity to more clearly communicate the benefits of handwashing,” the NFID says.

Participants in the Bradley survey rated school restrooms as among the worst. Restrooms at hotels, resorts, and conferences were rated the highest, and school bathrooms were ranked below drug stores and gas stations.

Survey participants identified what they believed were the best opportunities for improving restrooms: -Better restroom cleaning and product restocking. Those have been the top requests from survey participants for many years.

-Most of those surveyed would like washrooms to offer paper towels, even when air dryers are available. The survey found 60% of people use paper towels to avoid touching surfaces.

-Nearly 80% of those surveyed say installation of touchless surfaces throughout a restroom is important and results in a better bathroom experience.

The top restroom complaints are clogged or unflushed toilets, an old, dirty or unkempt appearance and unpleasant smells, the Bradley survey found.

“These issues don’t just create discomfort,” the company says in a news release. “They signal to users that cleanliness and care aren’t priorities.” 

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

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NEOPERL® products help reduce water usage by 30% or more.

Replacing faucet aerators and shower flow regulators are the most affordable components of a water conservation program, and can also help earn LEED® points.

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1. Publication title: American School & University. 2. Publication number: 023-180. 3. Filing date: 9/26/25. 4. Issue frequency: 7 times per year. 5. Number of issues published annually: 7 times a year, Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, May-Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep-Oct, Nov-Dec. 6. Annual subscription price: Free to qualified. 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication (not printer): Endeavor Business Media, LLC, 201 N Main Street, Ste. 5, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. 7a. Contact person: James Marinaccio. 7b. Telephone: 407-553-2439. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Endeavor Business Media, LLC, 30 Burton Hills Blvd., Ste. 185., Nashville, TN 37215. 9.

Full names and complete mailing addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: EVP/Publisher: Chris Perrino, 30 Burton Hills Blvd, Ste 185, Nashville, TN 3721; Editor: Mike Eby, VP Content Strategy, 30 Burton Hills Blvd, Ste 185, Nashville, TN 37215; Managing Editor: Mike Kennedy, Senior Editor, 30 Burton Hills Blvd, Ste 185, Nashville, TN 37215. 10. Owner - Full name and complete mailing address: Endeavor Media Holdings I, LLC, 905 Tower Place, Nashville, TN 37204; Endeavor Media Holdings II, LLC, 905 Tower Place, Nashville, TN 37204; Resolute Capital Partners Fund IV, LP, 20 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 430, Nashville, TN 37215; RCP Endeavor, Inc, 20 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 430, Nashville, TN 37215; Northcreek Mezzanine Fund II, LP, 312 Walnut Street, Suite 2310,Cincinnati, OH 45202; Invegarry Holdings, LP, 44235 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215; Everside Fund II, LP,155 East 44th St, Suite 2101 – 10 Grand Central, New York, NY 10017; Everside Endeavor F1 Blocker, LLC, 155 East 44th St, Suite 2101 – 10 Grand Central, New York, NY 10017; Everside Endeavor International Blocker, LLC, 155 East 44th St, Suite 2101 – 10 Grand Central, New York, NY 10017; Everside Founders Fund, LP, 155 East 44th St, Suite 2101 – 10 Grand Central, New York, NY 10017; Suncap Endeavor Blocker, LLC,155 East 44th St, Suite 2101 – 10 Grand Central, New York, NY 10017. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. N/A. 13. Publication Title: American School & University. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: September/October 2025.

Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months

a. Total number of copies b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) 1. Outside county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS form 3541 2. In-county paid/requested mail subscriptions stated on PS form 3541 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS® 4. Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS® c. Total paid and/or requested circulation d. Non-requested distribution 1. Outside county nonrequested copies stated on PS form 3541 2. In-county nonrequested copies stated on PS form 3541 3. Nonreqeusted copies distributed through the USPS® by other classes of mail 4. Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail e. Total nonrequested distribution f. Total Distribution g. Copies not Distributed h. Total i. Percent paid and/or requested circulation 16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. Requested and Paid Electronic Copies b. Total requested and paid print copies (line 15c) + requested/paid electronic copies (line 16a) c. Total requested copy distribution (line 15f) + requested/paid electronic copies d. Percent paid and/or requested circulation (both print and electronic copies)

No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date

0

0

26,902 0 2

27,425 0 3

0 26,904

0 27,427

21,343 0 400 455 22,198 49,102 0 49,102 54.79%

20,800 0 350 480 21.630 49,057 0 49,057 55.91%

4,910 31,814 54,012 58.90%

4,906 32,333 53,963 59.92%

 ✔ I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Will be printed in the Sept/Oct 2025 issue of this publication.

18. Signature and title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: James Marinaccio, Audience Development Manager. Date: 09/17/2025.

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I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014

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■ feature | windows/glazing

Fire-rated glazing in Alan Magee Scaife Hall preserves open sightlines and access to daylight around a central staircase.

Images courtesy of TGP

AN ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL HUB

Fire-rated glazing enhances a sense of community in the University of Pittsburgh’s medical school building.

By Jonathan Edly

A

n addition to to Alan Magee Scaife Hall at the University of Pittsburgh employs extensive amounts of transparent glazing to create an open and inviting floor plan that facilitates a feeling of community among students and staff at the university’s medical school.

The seven-story addition to the medical school building includes several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community.

MCF Architecture, the architect of record for the addition, says the building serves the university’s 150 medical students as both an academic building and a social hub. A monumental stairwell activates the space, aiding the social hub goals by contributing “bright, modern spaces intended for student interaction.”

The transparent glazing in the facility is one of the ways the addition establishes spaces that enhance community. For the stairwell, building includes the specification of code-compliant, butt-glazed fire-rated glass assemblies.

This design is a significant departure from the building’s original floor plan, which used opaque materials to meet building code requirements. Although effective, this approach obstructed views and limited access to daylight.

Including the widespread use of glass helped the project teams preserve unobstructed sightlines through the stairwell to each floor. It also maintained views out of the external glass curtain wall—all while satisfying code requirements.

Enhancing occupant experience Scaife Hall includes features used specifically for opening the field of medical science and practice to the next generation of medical providers—from labs with augmented and virtual reality capabilities to reconfigurable classrooms equipped with giant screens and monitors. It also includes design elements meant to keep them safe while maintaining an open design.

For example, the use of butt-glazed assemblies around the central staircase enables students to scan each level. Enabling students to peer into each floor is important so that the building can serve as a social hub and as a practical means to offer new students intuitive wayfinding within the space. Each of the building’s seven floors has a different color theme for the walls and accents. Because students can quickly scan them as they move up the staircase, they can readily know where they are.

The fire-rated, butt-glazed assemblies maximize visual connection because they do not have vertical mullions. Instead, they use narrow vertical butt joints to allow uninterrupted horizontal

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■ feature | windows/glazing

Unique corner details in the Scaife Hall addition were handled successfully with a collaborative planning and installation process.

Below: Full-lite, fire-rated glass doors protect occupants and support design intent.

spans of glass. They also safeguard a path of egress from smoke, flames and radiant heat.

These fire-rated, butt-glazed assemblies support the open and daylighted feel of the lounges immediately outside the stairwell.

With only a narrow-profile perimeter frame, the butt-glazed assembly maximizes the possible glazing area of the design. This enables the fire-resistant rated glass to increase daylight access, connect adjacent spaces visually and meet code requirements for fire and life safety.

Cohesive design aesthetic Creating a cohesive look in different parts of a stairwell can be difficult. For Scaife Hall, the stairwell brought together several features and materials within a confined space—the butt-glazed, fire-rated glass assemblies, the handrails and the exterior glass curtain wall.

The handrail systems include butt-glazed panels with a continuous handrail. Creating symmetry between this element and the entrances to each floor, the fire-rated glazing systems support compartmentalization efforts without compromising design intent. Likewise, the fire-rated perimeter frame is finished to provide visual cohesion with the handrail.

The perimeter frame’s narrow profile also provides a close visual match to the neighboring exterior curtain wall. This quality is important because multiple systems with varying performance requirements are in proximity; this can lead to discrepancies in framing profile sizes. Improving visual compatibility between fire-rated and non-rated systems can provide a more unified and intentional aesthetic in a space. The precision roll-forming techniques used for these framing systems result in narrower fire-rated frames that help designers achieve code requirements without having to sacrifice their intent.

Installation challenges Although the look of the fire-rated glazing assemblies in Scaife Hall achieves specific design goals, their ability to meet building conditions is crucial to achieving fire rating requirements and ensuring an efficient installation. The building’s stairwell

includes several custom corner conditions that could have proved challenging if there had not been collaboration throughout the design and installation phases. These aspects of the application needed multiple materials and systems to work together to achieve the right dimensions and conditions.

The manufacturer of the fire-rated assemblies collaborated with the project design team to fabricate custom corners that met the floor plan. This was critical to both the look and performance of these fire-rated glazing assemblies. The manufacturer worked closely with project stakeholders to ensure the material was phased in a way that supported an efficient and safe installation.

Stairwell design Today, Scaife Hall functions as both a learning and social hub.

Students can come and go while seeing their peers studying or relaxing on any of the seven floors as they work toward their degrees. The fire-rated, butt-glazed assemblies that encase the central staircase support the design goal of improved visual connection.

Not only do they contribute to a more occupant-centered design by improving navigability, but they also support medical students in establishing community—all while maintaining fire- and lifesafety code requirements with fire-rated framing and glass.

The assemblies themselves enable the university to comply with codes without compromising design intent. Collaboration among designers, glaziers and manufacturers further ensured that these fire-rated assemblies were fabricated to meet the specific details of the project as well as shipped and installed in a way to support safe and efficient construction.  Jonathan Edly represents Technical Glass Products (TGP), a supplier of fire-rated glass and framing systems, along with specialty architectural glazing products.

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■ facility planning

By Paul Erickson

Paul Erickson, AIA/ NCARB/REFP, executive officer and partner, is past president of ATSR Planners/Architects/ Engineers. He has 48 years of experience in school planning, design and construction.

Erickson can be reached at perickson@atsr.com.

Schools in Vacant Commercial Space C ommercial real estate in central business districts and suburban areas is experiencing alarming increases in lease vacancies and foreclosures.

The Cushman & Wakefield 2025-Q1 Marketbeat Report lists 17 major U.S. cities with estimated vacancies of 25% or higher! This is nearly three times the historical commercial vacancy rate and represents about 1 billion square feet of unused space. Factors such as working-from-home, high mortgages, economic shortfalls and societal issues have played a role in these vacancies.

Can education institutions play a role in filling the gap?

A 2020 General Accounting Office report said that about half of the nearly 100,000 public schools in the United States need extensive renovations.

Nearly 40% of U.S. public schools were constructed before 1970, the National Center for Education Statistics says. Most of these facilities struggle to meet students’ needs because of their outdated and run-down conditions. Renovations needed include ventilation systems, building envelopes, learning spaces for new teaching methods, and new designs supporting science-based research for learning.

Should school entities consider repurposing available commercial facilities rather than constructing new buildings? Repurposing space may be enticing to schools and universities faced with the high costs and lack of availability of new land, and expenses and delays in preparing new land.

Renovating an existing space typically takes less time than new construction. (But beware! Perform a facilities analysis to determine if repurposing and renovating a facility is an opportunity or a nightmare.)

To ascertain if a school program fits in commercial or a big-box space, consider the following: 1) Building location is critical for public school attendance areas. 2) Hire a school design architect to conceptualize the building for education space, analyze space needs, assess facility conditions and work with city planning and zoning agencies. 3) Determine if spaces can support learning objectives and neuroarchitecture design strategies (e.g., small learning communities, ample

daylight in spaces, or a potential to add windows or skylights). 4) Select a facility conducive for agile space configuration with column-free structural bays and minimal bearing walls that would limit layout flexibility. 5) Perform a cost analysis for renovations needed. Commercial facilities typically have systems—finishes, fixtures, ventilation systems—that have shorter life expectancies than school buildings because of short-term tenant improvement cycles and leasing terms.

A cost analysis will reveal expenditures needed for retrofitting mechanical systems (e.g., fresh air ventilation requirements, size and age of air handling units, energy management controls) and electrical systems (lighting and distribution, WiFi and cabling technologies, fire alarm capacity).

Costs for architectural infrastructure (structural components, building envelope), architectural interiors (partitions, ceilings, floors, fixtures), and site development (parking lots, sidewalks, lighting) are also evaluated.

If column-free space is available in a commercial space, it can accommodate activities (e.g., indoor courts, track, natatorium) and performances (auditoriums, large rehearsal rooms). Look for on-grade access areas for trades programs (construction lab, auto shop), and outdoor physical education (playfields, tennis courts). These components typically need to be incorporated into facilities via additions and alterations, which increase costs. Repurposing commercial space for educational uses typically is a better fit for “specialty” programs—career programs or schools focused on special skills.

As reports prevail about excess commercial space, many school districts are experiencing their own building closures because of population declines, enrollment shifts to private or home schooling, and budget reductions. These vacant facilities also may be available for repurposing.

Although expansion and contraction are expected as conditions and needs evolve, a pattern is developing that requires attention. With increasing vacancies, perhaps city and county governments should become central resources for community management, serving as conduits for “exchanges” in repurposing facilities.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 • ASUMAG.COM • AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY 35

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High school cafeteria renovation boosts lunchtime participation by 15%

Armstrong World Industries

Selecting the right ceiling and wall panel has made a huge difference in the renovation of the cafeteria at Saratoga Springs High School in Saratoga Springs, New York.

The school wanted to transform the former gymnasium into a welcoming space that fostered school spirit, infused collegiate sophistication and encouraged greater levels of interactivity.

Renovating the 7,810-square-foot space, which still had the acoustics of a gym, to accommodate 500 students at one time—was a significant challenge. The cafeteria also had poor traffic flow, and no consideration for Covid-influenced changes that redefined students’ comfort levels in large-group settings. Many students were requesting to eat lunch in their classrooms, so school leaders sought to transform the cafeteria into a place students would want to use to re-establish social connectivity.

The architect, Mosaic Associates, and Armstrong World Industries, used diverse product portfolios that enabled the school to install different ceiling panels to define different pockets within the cafeteria. All ceiling panel choices incorporated acoustical sound absorption and/or blocking. The Armstrong design and pre-construction service helped maintain budget and efficiency and offset custom components with cost-effective standard solutions.

Acoustics in the cafeteria are among the most frequently cited attributes, generating “disbelief” at the ability to have normal conversations while hundreds of students occupy the space. The school has experienced a 15% increase in lunchtime participation.

“The transformation of the high school cafeteria has been amazing,” said Saratoga Springs Superintendent Michael Patton. “The improved acoustics have not only created a more comfortable and inviting space for students and staff, but they have also significantly reduced noise levels.”

https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en/case-study/education/saratoga-springs-highschool-cafeteria-design.html

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Zurn Launches 6-Inch Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System

Zurn by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions has added to its Trench Drain portfolio with the Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System. The lightweight, durable design is ideal for applications requiring heavy-duty solutions. For enhanced durability and performance, the upgraded ductile iron frame provides a solution in a lightweight system while adding DIN F loading capacity. Incorporating the standard radiused bottom of the Z886 Perma-Trench Drain channels increases flow rate and reduces sediment buildup. The new system is designed with lightweight modular sections that help reduce installation time up to 75% compared with the polymer concrete frames that are prevalent. Mechanical interlocking connections provide a quick and reliable method of connecting channel sections. The longer, lightweight lengths also have fewer joints. This, coupled with the durable material, makes trench drains easier to handle. No heavy lifting or extra hands are needed.

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Clorox Pro Unveils New Screen+Sanitizing Wipes

CloroxPro has introduced Clorox Screen+ Sanitizing Wipes, designed specifically for cleaning and sanitizing touchscreens, laptops, tablets, keyboards and other sensitive electronics. Screen+ Sanitizing Wipes safeguards facilities by killing 99.9% of bacteria and removing fingerprints, dust and smudges without damaging delicate screens. As offices, schools, food service facilities and other shared spaces become more tech-centric and touchscreen-focused, the need grows for high-quality cleaning solutions for electronics. Clorox Screen+ Sanitizing Wipes are engineered with an optimal wetness to effectively clean and sanitize in one step, without leaving drips, streaks or scratches. When used as directed, these wipes will not damage screens or cause touch screen delamination. The bleach-free sanitizer is safe on screens while still being tough on bacteria.

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Greenheck Units Extend Capacity with Packaged Cooling

Greenheck’s Model DGX and Model MSX make-up air units with packaged direct expansion (PDX) have increased their cooling and airflow options in housing size H22. When configured with PDX, these units offer airflow up to 9,000 cfm and have added cooling capacities at 7, 10, and 16 tons. Both units use EPA-compliant R-454B refrigerant for PDX cooling, with chilled water and evaporative cooling as alternatives. The redesigned Model DGX with PDX provides direct gas-fired heat up to 1,200,000 Btu/h and incorporates microchannel coils. Model MSX is available with electric heat, steam coils or hot water coils. With performance capacities from 800 to 64,000 cfm, heating up to 7,000,000 Btu/h, and 3 to 16 tons of packaged cooling, Greenheck’s make-up air products can meet a range of ventilation, heating and cooling needs.

Joe Agron

Director of Sales Buildings & Construction Group 941-200-4778 jagron@asumag.com

Brian Sack

Account Manager East & Northeast 732-629-1949 bsack@endeavorb2b.com

Randy Jeter

Account Manager South 512-263-7280 rjeter@endeavorb2b.com

Bill Boyadjis

Account Manager Midwest 973-829-0648 bboyadjis@endeavorb2b.com

Ellyn Fishman

Account Manager West 949-239-6030 efishman@endeavorb2b.com

Steve Suarez

Account Manager 816-588-7372 ssuarez@endeavorb2b.com

https://www.greenheck.com/products/air-conditioning/make-up-air SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 • ASUMAG.COM • AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY 37

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■ product solutions

New Roof Secures Kent State University Airport Hangar

Kent State University’s Airport Hangar in Stow, Ohio, needed to replace its roof with a reliable, energy-efficient solution that would protect valuable aircraft and aviation equipment. The existing roof system, built in 1945, had seen decades of service, but key elements, including the hangar doors, roof and structural components, had exceeded their useful life. Areas of deterioration posed risks to the building and its contents.

The project required careful coordination to ensure safety and minimal disruption to airport operations. Warren Roofing was selected to re-roof the hangar and installed installed a clean, watertight, high-performance system.

Carlisle SynTec Systems

The Carlisle SynTec Systems FleeceBACK RapidLock PVC roof was selected for its outstanding weatherability, energy efficiency and ability to withstand the unique demands of an airport environment. The new roof not only improves the building’s thermal performance but also extends the lifespan of the hangar.

https://bit.ly/cst_amerschooluniv_cs

The Elvari Washroom Collection from Bradley

Bradley’s complete Elvari® Mirror Collection provides limitless design possibilities. The collection includes an assortment of framed, frameless and LED mirrors in a range of styles, colors and sizes to furnish any washroom application. Each Elvari mirror, made of high-quality glass, features radiused corners and polished edges for a sleek and symmetrical look. For LED models, the perimeter of each mirror is illuminated with LEDs to provide both ambient lighting and visual appeal. To enhance users’ convenience, an optional LED shelf, which mounts to or detaches from the mirror frame, is also available. Elvari Mirrors feature vertical or horizontal mounting capabilities to maximize versatility and flexibility. Bradley’s entire collection of Elvari Washroom Accessories unifies and enhances washroom aesthetics while improving functionality. Elvari accessories come in six signature finishes that are easy to clean and resistant to fingerprints and corrosion.

http://bradleycorp.com/elvari

HON unveils Etch seating collection

The HON Company, a manufacturer of office and education solutions, has released Etch, a multipurpose seating collection. With a sleek silhouette, distinctive shell and diverse customization options, Etch reimagines the traditional multipurpose chair. The collection includes HON’s first-ever perforated, breathable shell, which combines a bold contemporary look with ergonomic comfort through elegant curves and extra flex. The built-in handle makes the chair easy to move, and multiple base options and stackable frames add to its versatility in educational and office spaces. Thoughtfully balancing function with a modern, dynamic design, Etch delivers a welcoming aesthetic as well as a user-friendly and comfortable seating experience.

https://www.hon.com/chairs/etch

MetalWorks™ Torsion Spring for Behavioral Health

The Armstrong® MetalWorks™ Torsion Spring for Behavioral Health Ceiling System can help behavioral and mental health facilities meet standards for reduced patient risk. Designed for the wellness and safety of occupants, ease of installation, and tamper resistance in areas with potential security concerns, the ceiling system provides a solution that meets stringent requirements in new construction and renovation projects. The locking clips and stud bracing of the system provide an added level of safety by securing ceiling panels in place and preventing unintended removal. The 30-inch-by-30-inch ceiling panels come standard in a Whitelume color, are made of 15% recycled content, and have an ASTM E84 Class A Fire Performance rating. The ceiling system meets the most stringent industry sustainability compliance standards.

https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en/commercial-ceilings-walls/metalworks-torsion-spring-for-behavioral-health-ceilingsystems.html

AERCO Expands SmartPlate® EV Line with New High-Flow Models

AERCO has expanded its SmartPlate® EV indirect water heater line with new high-flow models capable of supporting domestic hot water (DHW) loads up to 140 gallons per minute (gpm). Designed to pair with condensing and electric boilers, the new SmartPlate EV models offer greater performance flexibility, ideal for new construction and retrofit projects. The SmartPlate EV line is engineered to complement low-temperature hydronic systems. The compact units include single-point header connections for easy installation and field adjustability for two- or three-way valve configurations. SmartPlate EV’s indirect design ensures the heat exchanger is isolated from the potable water. This helps mitigate the scaling and corrosion common in areas with hard water or poor water quality. All wetted components on the DHW side are constructed from stainless steel, copper, or copper alloy, further enhancing durability.

https://www.aerco.com/products/hvac-hot-water-solutions/water-heaters/smartplate-ev 38 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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LightArt Releases the Cloudform Collection

LightArt has launched the Cloudform Collection. It has 14 geometric lighting fixtures and nine corresponding acoustic ceiling tiles, enabling designers to mix and match familiar shapes to create dynamic, integrated ceiling systems tailored to each project’s scale and scope. Designed to provide designers with an all-in-one solution for integrating lighting and acoustic ceiling elements, the collection features a variety of geometric shapes: square, triangle, hexagon, circle, large rectangle, small rectangle, parallelogram, large trapezoid, and small trapezoid. The 14 lighting fixtures are offered in “open” and “closed” styles. Open styles feature a cut-out in the middle of the fixture with the lighting elements filling the edges; closed styles are fully enclosed fixtures where the lighting component covers the full surface of the shape. Each lighting fixture emits between 2,500 and 20,000 lumens, has a color temperature of 2,700K to 4,000K, and has a color rendering index of 80 or 90.

www.lightart.com

Vacuum Accessory Kit from Goodway

Goodway Technologies, a provider of industrial cleaning and maintenance solutions, has launched a Carbon Fiber Vacuum Accessory Kit, which improves efficiency and safety when cleaning hardto-reach areas by eliminating the need for ladders or platforms. Dust can settle on a variety of surfaces, including overhead piping, support beams and HVAC systems, and under equipment such as conveyors, racking and hard to reach areas. The carbon fiber vacuum extensions and tools are lightweight, making it easier to handle and maneuver during overhead cleaning tasks, reducing operator fatigue. The anti-static wands and conductive tools help to reach hidden areas without adding cost, risk or additional labor. There are a variety of attachments, such as cleaning heads and brushes, that can be used for multiple applications—making it a versatile addition. The kits are available for 15-, 25- and 32-foot ceilings.

www.goodway.com/

Mopster 2.0 Enhances Floor Care Process

Mopster® 2.0 from Hospeco Brands Group has been updated to enhance the floor care process with ergonomics and efficiency in mind. The slim, four-inch profile slides under furniture, and the pressure-activated on/off button improves control in dispensing cleaner. The new ribbed 36-ounce bottle is designed for easy extraction and insertion, and a low-level indicator window enables timely replenishment. Mopster® 2.0 has also taken on new product design characteristics, including a black anodized-aluminum mop head that allows for a more aesthetic appearance for daytime cleaning. The matte black color masks discoloration, and the smooth, grooveless design helps ensure the mop holder dries clean, with no debris buildup. Mopster® 2.0 is compatible with the company’s full range of hook-and-loop-backed pads. Pads can be selected based on application, from heavy-duty to light-duty; by surface type, such as hardwood, tile, or concrete; or by durability, ranging from reusable, launderable microfiber to single-use disposable synthetics.

www.hospecobrands.com/products/hbg-products/cleaning-tools/mopster-2-0-t0022-00

Stay Ahead of HVACR Failures with the Sensaphone Sentry Monitoring System

The Sensaphone® Sentry monitoring system keeps a constant watch on HVACR performance and environmental conditions. Operating 24/7, the cellular-based device tracks up to five factors including temperature, humidity, water leaks and power status. The Sensaphone Sentry system enables proactive equipment protection through early detection and instant alerts. If a sensor reading falls outside the desired range, the Sentry system immediately sends notifications by phone call, text or email over reliable cellular networks. This early-warning capability empowers operators to address problems quickly before they escalate into costly equipment failures. Because the monitoring system operates via a cellular modem, it does not require internet service or a landline. Users can monitor conditions and make adjustments from any web-enabled device or mobile app. All data is securely stored in the cloud, and multiple devices can be managed under one account with no software installation required.

https://sensaphone.com/products/sensaphone-sentry-monitoring-system

Solar-Powered Charging Benches from Bluebolt Outdoor

Bluebolt Outdoor has completed installation of four solar-powered charging benches at Colorado State University Pueblo, providing a sustainable, off-grid solution that enhances campus connectivity and public amenities. Placed in high-traffic areas, each bench has eight high-speed charging ports (four wireless and four USB ports), overhead lighting and illuminated advertising displays. Powered entirely by lithium battery storage charged by solar panels, the benches operate independently of the traditional electrical grid. The benches are supported through advertising, which enables the university to add sustainable infrastructure without affecting its budget. The benches have become popular gathering spots, and Bluebolt is seeking to install them at campuses across the nation.

https://blueboltoutdoor.com/ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 • ASUMAG.COM • AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY 39

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■ profiles | people, places & goings-on in education facilities & businesses

New York City is giving Chromebooks to 350,000 students he New York City school system is providing 350,000 students with Chromebook laptop computers for their academic work.

Mayor Eric Adams says the internetenabled devices will help the nation’s largest school system bridge the digital divide between technology haves and have-nots.

The laptops are replacing outdated devices that no longer meet instructional and security standards. Students will be

able to use these cellular-connected devices to get online for free wherever they live.

New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos says the access to Chromebooks means that “no matter what kind of internet access a student has at home, they’re still able to log on and take advantage of every educational opportunity available to them as we continue to move our city in a more equitable direction.”

Office of Mayor Eric Adams

T

Airline settles suit over dumping of jet fuel on schools in California

D

elta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a lawsuit filed after one of its airplanes dumped its fuel in 2020 over Google schoolchildren and others in Los Angeles County.

The Associated Press reports that the Delta jet had departed from Los Angeles for Shanghai on Jan. 14, 2020, when it needed to return to Los Angeles International Airport. The plane landed

safely after circling back over Los Angeles and dumping 15,000 gallons of fuel to reach a safe landing weight.

Los Angeles County firefighters were called to schools in the city of Cudahy where nearly 60 schoolchildren and teachers from several schools were examined for minor skin and lung irritations.

None required hospitalization.

The airline said the weight of a full load of fuel carried a risk of damaging the jetliner during landing, and the pilots decided to dump fuel “to reduce the serious risks of flying and landing an overweight airplane on just one engine.”

Infusion of funding means Idaho district can replace crumbling elementary

T

he state of Idaho has awarded the Boundary County district $13.2 million to replace the aging Valley View Elementary School in Bonners Ferry.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports that the money comes from legislation that allocated $50 million for rural school facility upgrades statewide.

A panel of state officials and contractors unanimously approved Boundary County’s 310-page application and awarded it more

than 25% of the total available funds.

Valley View Elementary has been in poor condition for decades. Built with materials salvaged from a decommissioned World War II base, the structure lacks rebar and central heating. The gymnasium collapsed in 1996, and a 2023 inspection found the building was Google one disaster away from condemnation.

The district is aiming to break ground in spring 2026 and open the new school in summer 2027.

Final year begins for 6 schools in the Bethel Park (Pa.) district

T

he 2025-26 school year is the final year for education at five elementary schools and one middle school in the Bethel Park (Pennsylvania) district.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Memorial and William Penn elementary schools are scheduled to close in the spring, as is Neil Armstrong Middle School.

In 2026-27, youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade will attend the new $133 million Bethel Park Elementary Center, now under construction. The three-story, 280,000-square-foot building is designed to accommodate up to 1,800 students.

Neil Armstrong Middle, which will have grades five and six this year, will close in the spring. Fifth grade will be housed in the new elementary, and sixth grade will move to a renovated and expanded I ndependence DRAW Collective Architecture Middle School.

A school board subcommittee is examining the possible uses for all the buildings that will no longer house students. 

42 AMERICAN SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY • ASUMAG.COM • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

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