American School & University - January/February 2026

WILLIS F. DUNBAR HALL

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Upgrading Security

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Closing remarks

By Mike Kennedy

One of the things I learned early on when reporting and writing about education is that nearly everyone is excited about the prospect of building a new school, and almost nobody is happy about having to close a school.

That means there have been a lot of unhappy people since the 2025-26 school year commenced. Here’s why:

survive the pandemic has been depleted, and many districts may find that the money needed to keep all of their schools open isn’t forthcoming.

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

• The Cleveland (Ohio) school board approved a plan to reduce the number of schools in the district by 29.

• A proposal in Philadelphia calls for closing 20 district schools.

• The Austin (Texas) board has approved a plan to close 10 schools.

• The Corpus Christi (Texas) district is closing seven of its schools later this year.

• KIPP Texas Public Schools, a charter network, is closing seven of its schools in the state—five in Austin and two in San Antonio.

• The Orange County (Florida) board is holding public meetings to discuss the proposed closure of seven schools.

• The Broward County (Florida) board has voted to close six schools.

• The Milwaukee district is considering a plan to close six schools.

In many cases, a drop in enrollment was inevitable because of the nation’s declining birth rate. Enrollment drops have been exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, when many students left traditional public schools for private schools, charter schools or homeschooling. Covid relief funding that helped many schools

Schools with student numbers below capacity operate less efficiently than a campus with full classrooms; the costs of keeping a building open don’t become lower just because there are fewer students. Eventually, those inefficiencies put too much of a burden on a district’s budget, and leaders can no longer avoid the difficult decision to shutter a school.

Even if closing a school is the only solution that makes financial sense, school districts need to communicate clearly with the affected communities about why a school must close and prepare students and families for the inevitable disruption.

Without that communication, districts might find themselves repeating what happened in Chicago, where bitter feelings linger years after the closure of 50 schools in 2013.

“While there was a sound rationale for the closures, they were undertaken without meaningful notice and engagement with the affected communities,” said the Civic Federation, a research organization in Chicago. “As a result, the move was highly controversial, making mergers, consolidations and closures a sensitive and politically fraught issue. 

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

Enter Educational Interiors Showcase 2026

This spring, American School & University magazine will assemble a panel of education and architectural professionals to judge the 36th annual Educational Interiors Showcase, the industry’s premier awards program for excellence in education facilities interiors. Selected projects will be published in the August 2026 Educational Interiors Showcase issue.

Visit schooldesigns.com/educational-interiors-showcase to enter or for more information. Entry forms due March 13. Submission Materials are due by April 24.

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Chicago district will take control of charter high school for the arts

The Chicago school board has voted to take over operation of one charter school and provide funds that will enable another charter school to complete the 2025-26 academic year.

CBS News Chicago reports that the board’s action means the Chicago High School for the Arts charter school—ChiArts for short—will remain open and transition to a district-managed school in July. The operator of the ChiArts announced last fall that it would not renew its contract with Chicago Public Schools because of significant financial troubles.

The board also approved $1.4 million for the EPIC Academy charter high school so it can continue operating for the rest of the 2025-26 school year. The school will close permanently in June.

EPIC Academy’s leaders said the decision to cease operations at their school was because of declining enrollment, rising costs and chronic underfunding of charter schools.

www.asumag.com/55328346

University of Akron privatizes its student housing

The University of Akron has finalized a multimillion-dollar agreement to privatize its student housing for the next 50 years.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the agreement shifts management of student housing to a private company and will lead to the upgrade of six residence halls and closure of three smaller residencehalls.

Florida charter school abruptly closes

One of the oldest charter schools in Orange County, Florida, has closed in the middle of the school year.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the board of directors for Legends Academy — initially known as the Nap Ford Community School — cited “unsustainable financial challenges” as the reason for the abrupt closure.

The K-8 school had 223 students enrolled as of December.

A statement from the school did not provide any details on its financial troubles.

The school opened in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood in 2001, named for the late Nap Ford, a for-

Misty Villers, vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Akron, believes students will be excited about the residence hall renovations and won’t notice many other changes in housing operations. The university will carry out major upgrades to Bulger and Spanton residence halls and updates to Exchange Street, Honors Complex, South and Spicer residence halls.

After the renovations are completed, the university plans to close its three smaller residence halls: Orr Hall, Ritchie Hall and Sisler-McFawn Hall. www.asumag.com/55341486

mer Orlando city council member. The school moved out of Parramore in 2016 when the property it used was slated to become part of the University of Central Florida’s downtown campus.

www.asumag.com/55341477

Minnesota district will use state grant to install solar array

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The East Grand Forks (Minnesota) School District is installing a $1.2 million solar panel project near Central Middle School.

The Grand Forks Herald reports that a $500,000 Solar for Schools state grant will enable the district

to carry out the installation.

Superintendent Kevin Grover said the district is working with the city, county and state to get final approval and hopes to break ground this summer. In addition to the Solar for Schools grant, federal investment tax credits will cover around $350,000, domestic materials incentive tax credits will pay another $117,000, and the remaining $200,000 will come from the district’s general fund reserves.

The solar panels are projected to save the district $50,000 to $55,000 a year after three to four years of operation.

www.asumag.com/55352508

WHERE FACILITY CHALLENGES FIND SOLUTIONS

CENTRAL VALLEY

March 18-19, 2026

Lodi, CA

RENO

August 19-20, 2026

Reno, NV

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

April 8-9, 2026

Anaheim, CA

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

September 2026

Santa Clara, CA

NORTHWEST

April 29-30, 2026

Portland, OR

NORTH TEXAS

October 14-15, 2026

Irving, TX

Furnishing neuroinclusive learning spaces

Two reconfigured classrooms and a student lounge at Elon University in North Carolinas have been created to offer additional neuroinclusive learning spaces on campus.

The spaces in Linder Hall have been designed with neurodivergent students in mind and aim to support a variety of learning styles and sensory needs while benefiting all students.

Lindner Hall classrooms 204 and 210 have adjustable, mobile and varied-height seating, chairs with and without arms, tall stools with slight wobble for sensory feedback, and individual writing surfaces.

The classrooms can be reconfigured for different teaching

styles and can be organized into zones for quiet reflection or active discussion

A neuroinclusive lounge in Lindner Hall Suite 200 provides a calming space for anyone in need of a sensory break or a quiet space to work. It is outfitted with sensory-friendly and ergonomic furniture, minimized visual and auditory clutter, varied textures and surfaces, and biophilic design elements with neutral colors. Lighting and seating options can be

adjusted for individual needs.

“One of the primary goals was to upgrade these classrooms so that they were inclusive of needs that support neurodivergent students,” said Caroline Ketcham, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Study calls for prioritizing ergonomic, flexible school furniture

As schools adapt to evolving teaching methods, increased use of technology, and rising numbers of students with special needs, outfitting learning spaces with ergonomic, flexible furniture is more essential, the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) says.

The United Kingdom-based association’s research study, “An

Exploration of Educational Furniture Procurement,” has identified systemic issues that hinder schools from obtaining high-quality, ergonomic furniture.

Budget constraints, outdated procurement processes and a lack of ergonomic awareness of student well-being and learning outcomes all contribute to less-than-ideal furniture selection, which may affect student performance.

“Poorly designed classroom furniture can contribute to poor posture, discomfort, and reduced concentration, ultimately affecting learning outcomes,” FIRA says in a news release.

Some of the study’s findings:

• Budget limitations force schools to prioritize cost over ergonomics, leading to non-compliant and outdated classroom furniture.

• Restricted procurement choices mean schools often rely on the same limited product catalogues, missing out on innovative solutions.

• Lack of ergonomic awareness results in purchasing decisions that do not prioritize student comfort or posture.

The association encourages schools, suppliers and policymakers to look into how they can improve procurement processes to prioritize student well-being.

Classroom furniture keeps students on the move

Classrooms at Mangrove Bay Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida have traded in traditional desks for ones that keep students moving while they learn.

Fox 13 Tampa Bay reports that Mangrove Bay students are likely to be found using pedal desks, balance stations, boomerboards or treadmills that keep them active as they complete their lessons.

“When kids are moving, they’re more engaged,” says Principal Brett Patterson. “We want learning to be something they experience with their whole body and mind. The days of sitting

in rows, listening passively, are behind us. We’re creating an environment where learning is active, collaborative, and fun.”

The magnet school focuses on health and wellness, and partners with the YMCA. Research has shown that having students engage in physical activity enhances their learning.

DOORS AND SECURITY

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools provides guidance on choosing doors that make facilities safer.

By Mike Kennedy

The doors that enable students and staff to enter a school facility may also be the places where unwanted and possibly dangerous people come inside without authorization. Schools and universities must make sure that the doors that let people in incorporate security measures that keep students and staff safe and prevent intruders from entering.

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), in its seventh edition of its School Safety and Security Guidelines released in 2025, recognizes doors as a key element in the overall security strategy on a campus. The guidelines describe the steps school facility managers can take to make sure their doors and door locks provide the most effective building security.

On the perimeter

All entry doors should be clearly marked with a first responder door numbering system, in coordination with local police and fire officials, to ease identification of entry points and help emergency personnel know where they are going.

Signage should be placed on every door notifying visitors that they must sign in at the front office and that those entering without authorization are subject to arrest.

Different doors have different functions and require different security measures. PASS divides school perimeter doors into three categories: primary, secondary or tertiary.

• Primary openings are main entrances, visitor entry center and public entry points.

• Secondary openings are primarily for operational entry points such as staff entrances, doors leading to playgrounds and additional buildings that are typically used on a daily basis for staff access and class change.

• Tertiary openings are emergency exterior doors for egress only. These doors include stairwell doors, and large assembly areas requiring multiple egress.

PASS urges schools to establish a policy that governs when exterior doors are secured or unsecured. To abide by fire and building codes, all perimeter doors should allow free exiting of the building in case of a fire or other emergencies that require evacuation of the building.

For entrances into a building, primary and secondary doors should have electronic access control or a door lock cylinder (if manually operated). Exit devices should have a visual indicator so that security and building personnel can look at the device and determine if it is in a secure condition. These exit devices should allow for dogging (putting into an unlocked state) only by means of a key.

All exterior doors should be electronically monitored to indicate whether the door is open or closed. This is typically done with a door position switch, which is either wired or wireless, and monitored

A school’s exterior doors should be electronically monitored to indicate whether the door is open or closed. ID 16817857 © Cynthia Farmer | Dreamstime.com

centrally and remotely through a facility’s access control system.

All perimeter doors should be secured when students are in classrooms. The number of doors unlocked during class changes should be limited. Any exterior doors that are unlocked during class changes should be monitored by a staff member or a school resource officer.

For doors that use a key, schools should establish policies and procedures to govern, track and revoke the distribution of keys. Keys should not be able to be duplicated without following a formal authorization process controlled by school administrators.

In classrooms

Classroom doors should be closed and locked when classes are in session or the rooms are otherwise occupied, PASS recommends. Classroom and corridor doors should be a minimum of 1 inch thick, steel or solid core wood, and installed in steel frame.

Security window film should be installed on all classroom room door vision panels and sidelites. Security film deters or delays the ability of an attacker to breach a doorway using a firearm or other weapon.

Classroom doors should include windows (narrow-lite style) for visual access both inside and outside the classroom. Blinds should be integrated into the design to cover these windows during a lockdown.

Classroom locks should be specifically designed for classroom doors and lockable from the inside of the room. Any lock must allow keyed or electronic access from the corridor side so that authorized personnel can gain access without a special tool or knowledge. Any lock shall always allow free egress from the inside of the room.

Locks should ideally have a visual indicator so that the condition of the lock (locked or unlocked) is visible to room occupants.

New central kitchen provides meals for New Bedford schools

The New Bedford (Massachusetts) district has opened a $14 million central kitchen in a renovated 1930s facility.

The 17,000-square-foot Culinary and Nutrition Center began operations in summer 2025.

The building was constructed as a car dealership in the 1930s, according to Habeeb & Associates Architects. The district gutted and repurposed the space to accommodate large-scale food preparation, storage, and other logistics of food service.

The architect describes the facility as “the culinary epicenter of all of New Bedford’s public schools,” as well as child-centered non-profits, parochial schools and other local organizations. It will prep and cook meals for 49 locations.

“The new Central Kitchen will allow us to deliver better meals to students more efficiently and consistently across the district,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “A strong foundation in nutrition is essential for students to succeed in the classroom.”

The center has a 1,218-square-foot refrigerated food preparation

Food hall opens at University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has opened Cumberland Food Hall, a new dining facility on the first floor of Hub Knoxville, a multitower community that houses nearly 2,000 students.

The university held a ribboncutting ceremony in November to mark the grand opening of the space, which was built in partnership with private developers. The hall has seating for nearly 350 people and was developed to serve students living off campus and the broader Knoxville community.

It has four unique dining options and a ghost kitchen, in which multiple brands are prepared and shared from the same kitchen space. The technology-driven design enables guests to order from several dining concepts through an app or at kiosks. Meals are placed into secure lockers for easy pickup.

Construction has begun on a $44 million commissary kitchen for the Buffalo (New York) school district.

WGRZ-TV reports that the 61,000-square foot facility is being built across the street from the district’s existing food production site and is expected to open in spring 2027. It will have a large production kitchen, a community room and a test kitchen to train new staff.

The project has been in discussion for more than a decade. Lou Petrucci, chief operating officer for Buffalo Public Schools, says the new facility will support farm-to-table operations and give the district the space to accept more New York state-grown products.

The upgraded commissary will be about 18,000 square feet larger than the existing one. Plans include a training kitchen, multipurpose

area where foods can be prepackaged for reheating or prepared in singleserve packaging; a 1,170-square-foot walk-in cooler with space for 44 pallets of food supplies; a 1,751-square-foot walk-in freezer with space for 68 pallets of frozen goods; a blast cooler to quickly lower food temperature; a blast freezer to quick-freeze prepared foods; a storage area with space for 65 pallets of dry goods: a commercial cook kitchen featuring 40-gallon tilting skillets, 80-gallon kettle and high-efficiency combination ovens; a loading dock for commercial and visitor and staff parking.

The district used $9.2 million in federal Covid relief funds, as well as U.S. Department of Agriculture money, to help pay for the facility.

A variety of foods are available in the hall’s four dining concepts:

• Athenian Grill, serving Mediterranean bowls and gyros made with halal meats and offering customizable fresh flavor options.

• A second location of the Big Orange Grill, a partnership with UT’s Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center offering fresh smashburgers and fries made with locally sourced ingredients.

• South Street Steaks, specializing in Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and loaded fries.

• Zen Sushi & Wok, featuring authentic and freshly made sushi, ramen, wok dishes and bubble teas.

“We are excited to open this beautiful, innovative space where the Vol community can come together and enjoy delicious meals just off campus,” said Amanda Hough, director of Vol Dining. “Cumberland Food Hall truly reflects our commitment to creating dining experiences that bring people together.”

Kitchen facility under construction in the Buffalo (N.Y.) district

community room, and modern cookand-chill technology. Officials also highlighted the improved ingress and egress design that will enable trucks to move in and out of the site more efficiently and safely.

The architect is Kideney Architects, and the construction manager is Buffalo Construction Consultants.

New Bedford Public Schools

University of Tennessee

Allergen-free dining at Stanford

Stanford University is now offering allergenfree dining in one of its dining halls.

The university says that since fall 2025, Stanford’s dining facility in Branner Hall has been providing students meals that are free of the nine most common allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame.

“Our goal in this residential dining program is to have a safe and secure environment for all students to eat, particularly those with

complex food allergies,” said Eric Montell, assistant vice provost of Stanford Dining, Hospitality, and Auxiliaries.

Montell says an increasing number of students at Stanford are reporting complex food allergies, particularly to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, gluten, milk, and shellfish.

The Branner dining hall has food stations and daily specials like the others on campus; however, the menu has been modified to accommodate those with allergies. Branner’s hamburger buns don’t contain wheat or milk, the pizza crust has no dairy, the pesto has no nuts, and the cheese is coconut-based.

“We’re mirroring the cuisines offered at other dining halls, but removing or substituting ingredients,” says Jay-Ar Pugao, a Stanford dining chef.

Garnet Station is the newest dining hall at University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina in Columbia has opened its newest on-campus dining hall, Garnet Station.

The dining hall is on the first floor of the Russell House University Union and has over 500 new student dining seats, both indoor and outdoor. In total, almost 21,000 square feet of space was renovated, and an additional 8,450 square feet of kitchen space was added to accommodate various food options: a grill, home cooking, an international and pasta station, a pizza station, a salad bar and deli, and a dessert and coffee station.

“One of the things we heard in our conversation with students was the need for more dining and seating options at the center of

campus,” says Joe Fortune, director of business affairs and contract management. “This facility not only provides both of those things but also incredible food options.” Construction began in May and was completed on an aggressive three-month timeline to open before classes start Aug. 19.

Garnet Station also has a true balance station to serve food without the top nine allergens for diners with dietary restrictions.

The addition of Garnet Station gives South Carolina students six dining halls with unlimited dine-in access.

“This is a place where students will gather between classes, where faculty and staff will share ideas over lunch and where lifelong friendships will begin,” says Joe Sobieralski, senior associate vice president for administration and business affairs.

The project is a partnership among the university, Aramark, Hood Construction and the Garvin Design group.

Landmark cafeteria at Mississippi State gets $30 million renovation

Mississippi State University in Starkville has renovated its century-old campus cafeteria and reopened it as a new dining destination called Perry Food Hall.

The university says the $30 million project has upgraded the campus landmark while still honoring its storied past.

“Perry is one of our most iconic buildings—it’s what many people think of when they picture Mississippi State University,” University President Mark E. Keenum said. “This renovation preserves that history and builds on it to create a truly special space and unique experience.”

Built in 1921 and once billed as the largest cafeteria in the nation, Perry has long been more than a place to eat. As one of Mississippi’s registered landmarks, its Late Gothic Revival architecture

remains on display with its exposed timber beams and nostalgic charm anchored in the heart of campus. At the center of the transformation is 1921 Café—a nod to Perry’s founding year—where Southern comfort food meets Bulldog traditions. Bark, a smokehouse-inspired venue, serves slow-cooked barbecue. The Beet Drop offers build-yourown salads and plant-based meals.

“The renovation and re-opening of Perry marks an exciting new chapter for our campus,” Vice President of Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said. “This beautifully reimagined space not only enhances the dining experience with more options and flexibility, but also creates inviting places for students and the MSU community to gather.” 

Mississippi State University

University of South Carolina

UPGRADING SECURITY

Researchers and educators continue to study how schools and universities can improve safety and security in their facilities and on their campuses.

By Mike Kennedy

Ashooting at an engineering building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in December kills two and injured nine. In August, two children from Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis were killed and 17 others were wounded when a gunman opened fire through the windows of the parish church.

Such acts of violence are not commonplace, but each time the grim headlines appear, they remind educators and administrators at thousands of schools and universities across the nation that they must be vigilant about continuing to look for ways to make their campuses—and

the students and staff they serve—more secure.

Focusing on all hazards

The Educator’s School Safety Network, which compiles a yearly analysis of violent threats and incidents in schools, found

that incidents of violence declined slightly in 2024-25 compared with the previous year, but noted that such incidents “continue to be significantly higher than in the pre-pandemic years.”

As it has in its analyses from previous years, the network urges schools to focus

less on relatively rare events like a shooting and more on other potential crises. The network urges schools to focus their training and resources on an all-hazards approach to school safety.

“The erroneous belief that active shooter events are the most significant hazard schools face leaves educators vulnerable and unprepared for the more likely crisis events they will encounter,” the network says. “In many cases, the only training educators receive is geared toward a school shooting, even though it is one of the least likely crisis events.”

In 2024-25, the network found, the most common incidents of violence were a false report of an active shooter, a gun found on campus, a non-gun-related violent incident (such as violent and aggressive behavior) and outside violence spilling into school.

Assessing threats

Schools and universities would be safer if they could identify and defuse potential threats before they lead to violence. That’s why behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) has become a widely used approach to violence prevention. BTAM seeks to prevent violence and other harmful outcomes by bringing together multidisciplinary teams to systematically evaluate and appropriately respond to student behaviors or threats.

“Adoption of BTAM as part of school safety efforts is becoming a nearly ubiquitous practice across U.S. schools,” says “The State of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management in K-12 Public Schools,” a report from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center and the Rand Corporation’s Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center. “The main challenge now is not encouraging adoption but rather ensuring effective and consistent implementation.”

The report includes results from a survey conducted in 2025 of 1,746 school principals who have put BTAM practices into place. “The primary goal of this report is to draw on a nationally representative sample of school administrators to understand how BTAM is being implemented and operationalized across the country,” it says.

Effective campus safety and security efforts involve collaboration among multiple institutional stakeholders, community-level partners, and federal agencies.

ID 56370872 © David Coleman | Dreamstime.com

Many principals have been convinced that behavioral threat assessment and management contributes to a safer and more supportive school environment.

Benny Chan

Some of the report’s findings:

• Responses suggest that schools are appropriately scoping their BTAM programs to focus on the most severe and highrisk cases of student behavior. Schools are maintaining clear thresholds for referring cases to BTAM teams, focusing on serious safety concerns.

• Most schools are tailoring supports to meet the specific needs and circumstances of students. Schools are using a variety of interventions to address underlying causes of student behavior rather than relying on a single solution.

• School BTAM efforts generally reflect a commitment to using supportive measures that address root causes of concerning behaviors rather than relying primarily on exclusionary discipline practices or referrals to law enforcement. Survey results show that schools prioritize interventions such as mental health counseling, building trusted relationships with adults, and skill-building services over restrictive measures. Over 75% said they rarely or never use exclusionary discipline, and 80% rarely or never arrest or prosecute students referred to BTAM teams.

• Parents are a key part of schools’ behavioral threat management processes. One-third of schools identify a lack of parent participation as a significant challenge.

• Principals report reductions in crime, violence and self-harm and view BTAM as preferable to exclusionary discipline. Many said they believe that BTAM contributes to a safer and more supportive school environment.

• There is considerable variability in training for BTAM members. Fewer than half of schools provide annual training, and many offer it only as needed; this may limit team members’

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Schools are using a variety of interventions to address underlying causes of student behavior rather than relying on a single solution.

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skills in such key areas as risk assessment and bias mitigation. Training gaps are especially pronounced in urban and high-poverty schools.

• There is significant variability in how BTAM teams are structured; how often they meet; and how they conduct information-gathering, case reviews and program evaluations. Although some schools use structured processes, most rely on informal approaches, and about half lack formal policies.

This inconsistency highlights the need for clearer tools and resources to support systematic and effective team operations.

“Schools often blend elements from national programs with local practices, leading to significant differences in implementation,” the report says. “Although this flexibility allows adaptation to local needs, it also creates inconsistencies and challenges in measuring effectiveness. Greater coherence and guidance are needed to ensure fidelity to evidencebased frameworks while allowing for local adaptation.”

Postsecondary perspective

Reports of a deadly shooting and a campus lockdown in December at Brown University were upsetting to thousands of students on the Providence, Rhode Island, campus, but especially so for sophomore Zoe Weissman. Nearly eight years earlier as a middle school student in Parkland, Florida, she heard the gunshots from the adjacent Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a former student opened fire on students and staff, killing 17 and injuring 18.

‘When I was 12, I told myself it would ever happen again,” Weissman wrote on X. “Now I’m freshly 20, and I’ve once more been proven wrong.”

Weissman and countless other students who have lived through shootings or other acts of violence at their elementary or secondary schools may arrive on their college campuses with lingering trauma and mental health issues from those experiences. A 2025 report from the Rand Corporation’s Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, “Safety and

Security at Institutions of Higher Education,” draws attention to the issue as one that colleges and universities should be addressing.

“The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among students, particularly heightened sensitivities to gun violence among postsecondary students who have experienced school shootings during their K–12 education, and the complexities involved in managing campus protests are especially pressing emerging concerns,” the report says.

The report from Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, which conducts research for the Department of Homeland Security, seeks to provide insight into the ways the department can better support safety and security efforts at colleges and universities.

Other findings from the research:

• Effective campus safety and security efforts involve collaboration among multiple institutional stakeholders, community-level partners, and federal agencies. The extent to which such collaborative approaches are applied should be an area of continued focus.

• Physical security measures, including the use of security personnel, are key to keeping campuses safe. Measures such as building access control, closed-circuit television cameras, and emergency notification systems are widely used. Community policing seems to be especially important when it comes to fostering positive relationships between campus law enforcement and the broader campus community, although perceptions of campus police vary across student populations.

• Although colleges and universities are making considerable efforts to keep their communities safe, resource constraints, including limited fund-

ing and staff time, pose obstacles to safety and security. Research also shows that under-reporting of certain safety-related concerns and incidents, most notably sexual misconduct, continues to be a concern. Heightened sensitivities to the possibility of gun violence and mass shootings may lead to increases in reporting of what postsecondary institutions perceive as threatening or concerning behavior.

• More up-to-date information is needed in several areas: postsecondary students’ perceptions of threats; trends in reporting beyond sexual violence misconduct; and the shifting nature of challenges that colleges and universities are facing.

“The research related to the effectiveness of various approaches to safety and security, from physical security measures and technologies to active shooter drills, is largely lacking and continues to complicate safety and security planning,” the report says.

The report’s recommendations:

• The Department of Homeland Security should expand the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse and the grant finder tool it operates to provide resources about federally available safety and security grants for colleges and universities. The report also urges Homeland Security to identify and list more-targeted grant opportunities for less well-resourced schools, such as community colleges and minority-serving institutions.

• Create additional resources focused specifically on safety and security at colleges and universities. Homeland Security components such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency could provide additional tools, resources, and training

opportunities focused on safety and security at colleges and universities.

• Further facilitate information-sharing and collaboration among colleges and universities, local law enforcement, and state and federal agencies. This could include publishing resources that highlight best practices in dealing with various types of threats and offering opportunities to conduct joint training exercises.

• Further encourage mutual aid agreements on safety and security among schools and between schools and local emergency responders to ensure coordinated responses during large events and emergencies. “Providing best practice guides and examples of or templates for mutual aid agreements could be especially helpful and practical,” the report says.

• Provide guidance to help colleges and universities develop user-friendly and accessible reporting systems for their campus communities. Focused guidance could help colleges and universities provide more information to their communities about the types of concerns that should be reported, develop processes to triage the large volume of information received, and develop procedures to effectively respond to concerns. “This additional support could contribute to preventing various forms of violence, including commonly underreported incidents, such as sexual and genderbased violence and misconduct,” the report says.

• Provide additional resources and guidance to help colleges and universities address the threat of targeted violence on college campuses. “Given the heightened sensitivities to gun violence with which many postsecondary students are coming to college, a particularly fruitful area for further (Homeland Security) support could be related to response and recovery,” the report says. The department could consider expanding guidance on how to adequately consider and respond to the potential psychological impacts of measures meant to im-

prove response to targeted violence, such as active assailant drills.

• Support efforts to collect morecomprehensive data and conduct new research to help colleges and universities adapt to the evolving safety and security landscape. “To date, many of the studies on safety and security issues are based on research

conducted at a single institution or across a small sample of students, faculty, and staff at a handful of institutions in one state....Nationally representative survey-based studies could help expand the understanding of national-level trends and identify priority areas for additional investment, resources, and support. 

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The integration of lighting controls and HVAC systems has been slow to catch on, largely because of the siloed nature of the lighting and HVAC industries.

WORKING TOGETHER

Integrating lighting controls and HVAC systems conserves building energy and saves money.

By Levin Nock

In parts of the country, the new school year used to start with crisp fall days, followed by brisk winters and a few cool months of spring—no air conditioning was needed before classrooms emptied for the summer.

In many places, that era is no more.

As the school year began in September 2025, an independent group of scientists released a report showing that 92% of 246 major U.S. cities now experience summer weather 10 days later into the fall than they did several decades ago. For one in five cities analyzed, it’s at least two weeks later. Compared with the 1970s, for example, summer weather is sticking around 14 days longer in Buffalo, New York; 19 days later in Erie, Pennsylvania, and 23 days later in Presque Isle, Maine, according to Climate Central.

“The rise in cooling demand will likely continue as the planet warms,” states Climate Central’s website, “and schools will need critical building upgrades and face higher operating costs to maintain safe, comfortable temperatures.”

School buildings, particularly in the nation’s northern tier, are largely unprepared for this new weather pattern, however.

An Edweek Research Center survey conducted in summer 2021 found that more than 75% of school district officials in the South reported that their buildings are air conditioned, but only 20% of respondents in the North said the same.

What’s more, 41% of districts nationwide need to update or replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in at least half of their schools (about 36,000 buildings), according to a General Accounting Office report. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ “2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure” says that GAO finding makes HVAC repairs the most common infrastructure need across school systems.

Although less data is available for higher education facilities, anecdotal reports suggest a similar story at colleges and universities. In 2024, eight residence halls at Ohio State University in Columbus had no air conditioning, according to The Lantern student newspaper; 12 of the 23 residential buildings at Iowa

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The DesignLights Consortium’s toolkit seeks to remove barriers in communication and improve collaboration between the professional worlds of lighting and HVAC.

The DesignLights Consortium’s Decision Tree can help building managers and contractors determine whether a project is a suitable candidate for integration.

DesignLights Consortium

energy used for HVAC and 20% of a building’s total electric energy consumption.

This strategy is especially appealing in the parts of the United States and Canada where efficiency incentives can cover most of the incremental cost of upgrading a lighting retrofit project to include NLC. In addition, lower energy costs aren’t the only financial benefit. When a lighting retrofit with NLC is combined with an HVAC upgrade, occupancy data from the NLC system can significantly reduce the operating expenses of the upgraded HVAC equipment as well.

State University in Ames lacked air conditioning, Iowa State Daily reported.

As school districts and college campuses address their air conditioning needs, they have an opportunity not only to make buildings more comfortable and amenable to learning, but also to boost and future-proof energy savings associated with HVAC upgrades. The key is integrating heating and cooling systems with networked, controllable lighting.

Lighting paired with HVAC

Overhead lighting is ubiquitous in the ceilings of commercial buildings, including academic facilities. Networked lighting fixtures provide ideal places for occupancy sensors because they offer broad unobstructed coverage, readily available electric power, and easy data transfer over the lighting control network. Networked lighting controls (NLC) equipped with occupancy sensors can detect when building spaces are vacant and then turn off or dim lighting when and where it’s not needed to save energy and related carbon emissions. Research has shown that NLCs can reduce lighting energy consumption by an average of about 50% more than is possible with non-networked energyefficient LED lights.

On the heels of those findings, the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) commissioned another study, which concluded that even deeper energy savings are possible through integration of controlled LED lighting with HVAC systems. The 2023 report, “Economic Potential of Networked Lighting Controls in Commercial Buildings: Tapping the Added Value of HVAC Connections,” showed that pairing lighting controls with HVAC systems to deliver occupancy signals can save up to 30% of the

The DLC’s 2023 study results were released as the technology to enable NLC-HVAC integration has improved. When new AC systems (or heat pumps with AC plus electric heating) are installed in classrooms, for example, thermostats integrated with occupancy sensors can help minimize the new electric load. These smart thermostats are becoming available from multiple vendors.

Communicate and collaborate

Despite the inherent energy saving potential of NLCHVAC integration, the strategy has been slow to catch on—largely because of the siloed nature of the lighting and HVAC industries. A working group that the DLC convened in 2023 reported that a lack of communication between lighting and HVAC professionals is the major hurdle to broader adoption.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging lighting, controls and integrated building systems to enable energy savings, decarbonization and sustainability, the DLC set out to change this paradigm. Last year, the DLC released a resource designed to dissolve barriers in communication and improve collaboration between the professional worlds of lighting and HVAC.

The NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit has five components. The first, and perhaps most important, is a Decision Tree to help building managers and contractors determine whether a project is a suitable candidate for integration and avoid cases where success is unlikely. For example, the strategy generally provides more bang for the buck in larger facilities, especially those with building automation and variable air volume systems. That said, smaller buildings with variable occupancy also may benefit from lighting-HVAC integration. The Decision Tree takes those considering a project through the steps needed to determine whether to move forward.

Other toolkit sections:

• A template of a sample construction integration specification;

• A handbook that concisely describes the basic information that each group involved in an NLC-HVAC integration project needs to know, with a glossary and references to relevant standards;

• A responsibility matrix that presents an integration project in terms of major tasks and indicates which party is responsible for each;

• 18 case studies presenting successful integration examples.

Case studies are searchable by building type and include examples of several educational settings where integration of HVAC and connected lighting systems increased energy savings. They include an elementary school construction project in Bellevue, Washington, as well as retrofits in administrative and academic buildings at the University of Minnesota, the University California Davis and the Long Beach and Carson campuses of California State University.

To date, NLC-HVAC integration has been more feasible and popular on college campuses than in K-12 buildings—partly because colleges and universities are more apt to employ dedicated facility managers and use building automation systems (BAS).

Campuses have used BAS for decades to help facility operators better manage systems such as HVAC and lighting. Artificial intelligence is starting to help colleges and universities enhance those benefits. A 2024 project at California State University Northridge, for example, used AI software with existing lighting controls to adjust the HVAC system of an office and workspace building based on real-time occupancy data, machine learning models and algorithms. Integrated with the facility’s building automation system, the AI solution reduced total building electricity consumption by more

than 15%, reducing usage by nearly 14,900 kilowatt hours and saving almost $3,500 annually.

For now, NLC-HVAC integration is most feasible in facilities with BAS, such as Cal State Northridge’s 10,000-square-foot hall. But advances in technology and increased expertise and awareness are making it a practical strategy for school buildings without BAS as well. And, by bridging the gap between the professional worlds of lighting and HVAC systems, the DLC’s toolkit is designed to keep expanding the integration market.

Intended to fit the needs of an array of professionals, including building management system contractors, engineers and designers, the NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit is available to download free of charge at https://designlights.org/resources/ reports/nlc-hvac-integration-toolkit/.

The DLC developed the toolkit to encourage and facilitate better coordinated projects that yield bigger energy and cost savings in a wider array of facilities. Whether facility personnel have experience with building systems integration or it’s a brand-new concept for them, they can explore this resource and a companion video (https://designlights.org/lighting-hvacintegration/) that leads viewers through the process. 

Levin Nock is Senior Technical Manager at the DesignLights Consortium.

Pairing lighting controls with HVAC systems can provide significant energy savings. DesignLights Consortium

HOT WATER, HIDDEN COSTS

A guide to efficiency, reliability and readiness for campus hot water systems.

By Keith Kuliga

As schools and universities head into 2026, they face many acute challenges. These challenges aren’t just confined to academics or enrollment; campus facilities themselves pose a number of pain points. Facilities teams may find themselves torn between the realities of rising energy costs and aging infrastructure on one hand, and increasingly aggressive efficiency and sustainability goals on the other.

When strategizing about how to balance these competing priorities, facilities teams often emphasize factors like HVAC systems and campuswide lighting. All too often, water heating systems are left out of long-term planning efforts, despite having a major effect on school energy consumption.

Water heaters play a role in basically every campus function; they ensure comfort in residence halls, hygiene and efficiency in the dining area, and effective daily operations within science labs and athletic facilities. Facilities teams that are serious about campuswide energy policies will want to evaluate, optimize and future-proof hot water systems for efficiency, reliability and cost control.

Water heaters matter

It’s difficult to exaggerate how much water heaters can affect a school or university’s utility costs, to say nothing of its energy footprint. Simply consider the scope of water heater usage, even on a modestly sized campus. Facilities personnel are always going to be dealing with high daily usage: simultaneous peak loads in the mornings, during class changes and amid athletic events.

What all of this means is that water heating consistently ranks among the largest non-HVAC energy loads. And on many campuses, the energy drain can be compounded by factors such as inefficiency and heat loss, stemming from outdated equipment or failing infrastructure.

When a campus hot water system is not properly optimized, there may be considerable risks throughout the organization, including inconsistent water delivery, system failure during peak periods and even health and safety concerns tied to improper temperatures. All of this makes it essential for facilities teams to engage in strategic planning for their water heating operation.

Few environments place as much varied demand on hot water systems as a school campus. Bradford White

A good place for facilities teams to begin is by taking stock of their existing units. A simple checklist can provide direction and clarity:

System Inspections and Audits

• Facilities teams should audit their existing equipment, noting both the age and the general condition of each unit.

• In addition to surveying water heaters themselves, it’s important to survey storage tanks, piping and insulation.

• Several common red flags may point to inefficiency. Examples include scaling, corrosion and leaks.

• Making note of long recovery times also may help to identify inefficiencies within the water heating system.

Temperature Settings and Controls

• To ensure equipment is running safely and reliably, facilities teams should review the recommended temperature range for different applications, including residence halls, cafeterias and dining areas, laboratories and medical facilities.

• As teams review temperature settings, it’s important to strike a balance between energy savings and user comfort.

• Note that thermostatic controls and mixing valves are usually necessary in more sophisticated water heating systems to ensure consistent delivery-point temperatures and providing a safeguard against scalding.

Best Practices for Maintenance and Upkeep

• It’s prudent for facilities teams to verify that they have a regular rhythm of routine maintenance, which can help extend the operating life of any unit.

• Essential steps include routine flushing and descaling, checking anode rods and verifying control calibration.

• Documenting these practices can prevent skipped steps,

When reviewing temperature settings on water heaters, it’s important to strike a balance between energy savings and user comfort.

Bradford White

further ensure the longevity of a unit and reduce the risk of premature breakdown.

2026 efficiency standards

As 2026 dawns, water heating efficiency standards are becoming an increasingly important consideration for campus facilities teams, especially those planning equipment replacements or major renovations. Although the exact requirements may vary by state and utility jurisdiction, the broader trend is clear: Updated standards are pushing higher efficiency performance, lower emissions and greater accountability for energy use across organizations.

In higher education, this means that an aging water heater nearing the end of its service life may no longer be replaceable with like-for-like equipment. Facilities teams that wait for an equipment failure could find themselves facing limited replac-

Oakland University reopens after hot water system is repaired

Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, reopened its campus in early January after a failure of its high temperature hot water system caused the university to shut down much of its operations in November.

Leaks in the system, which supplies heat to most buildings on campus, were discovered in November; the university announced that the leaks in the system had been repaired, but in late November, Oakland officials said a new leak had occurred after the system was repressurized.

More than 20 buildings on campus were affected by the failure and had only partial heat. Those on campus were advised to avoid entering affected buildings unless absolutely necessary.

After reopening the campus on Jan. 5, university officials detailed the steps they have taken to improve the system.

“[A]ll residential housing buildings are now supported by redundant heating systems,” the university said on its website. “This means that if the Central Heating Plant were unavailable for any reason, heat would remain uninterrupted and student living conditions would not be impacted.”

The university also has a redundant heating solution in place for Pawley Hall, which is no longer dependent solely on the central heating plant. Backup or permanent redundant heating sources for other buildings considered to be priorities also are being carried out.

ment options, longer lead times or unplanned capital expenses. Planning ahead enables campus facility personnel to align compliance requirements with budget cycles and long-term energy strategies rather than reacting under pressure.

One of the most significant shifts tied to upcoming standards is the growing role of high-efficiency water heating technologies. Heat pump water heaters are gaining traction in institutional settings because of their ability to deliver substantial energy savings. By moving heat rather than generating it, these systems can reduce energy consumption while supporting decarbonization goals that have already been established on many campuses.

High-efficiency gas-fired and condensing water heaters also continue to play a role, especially in facilities with high, continuous demand or limited electrical capacity. These systems capture heat that would otherwise be wasted, improving overall efficiency and lowering operating costs without compromising performance.

Beyond regulatory compliance, many facilities teams are discovering that efficiency upgrades tied to 2026 standards can unlock financial advantages. Utility incentives, rebates and performancebased programs may be available for some equipment, helping offset upfront costs. Over time, reduced energy use and lower maintenance demands can multiply the return on investment.

What’s key for facilities teams is that 2026 should not be viewed as a deadline to meet, but as an important planning milestone. By understanding how efficiency standards are evolving and evaluating water heating options now, campuses can make informed decisions that reduce risk, control costs and support reliable hot water delivery well into the future.

Diverse campus needs

Few environments place as much varied demand on hot water systems as a school campus. Residence halls, dining facilities, athletic centers and laboratories all rely on hot water; they

Bradford White

use it in different ways, and often at the same time. It’s a tall order for facilities personnel to meet these overlapping demands without oversizing systems or wasting energy during offpeak hours.

Student housing typically drives the largest spikes in hot water usage, especially in the early morning and evening hours when students are getting ready for the day or preparing for bed. Dining facilities, meanwhile, require

consistent hot water throughout the day to meet sanitation and food safety requirements. Athletic facilities will have sudden, high-volume demand tied to practices, games or events. Science labs sometimes need precise temperatures and uninterrupted availability.

Rather than relying on a single, oversized system, many campuses are finding value in more flexible approaches. Load profiling can help facilities teams better understand when and where demand occurs. Zoned or distributed water heating systems enable schools to match capacity more closely to specific applications or specific facilities, reducing standby losses and improving overall efficiency. Modular systems are recommended for their scalability; they enable facilities teams to adapt their approach as the needs of the campus evolve.

By designing hot water systems around actual usage patterns, facilities teams not only reduce energy waste, but also provide reliability for faculty, staff and the entire student body. Hot water systems deserve the same strategic attention from facilities planners as HVAC and lighting upgrades. Proactive planning positions institutions for long-term resilience and sustained energy savings.

Keith Kuliga is the Mechanical Sales Support, Commercial Products, for Bradford White Water Heaters, a five-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year.

By Paul Erickson

Looking Ahead for Learning and Facilities

Ten years ago, “The Future of Job Report” from the World Economic Forum predicted that 65% of the children entering primary school then would end up working in job types that did not yet exist. This has already begun to happen. Hhow can schools prepare learners for skills needed for the next 10 years?

Educators, architects, engineers, interior designers and furniture specialists have unique opportunities and obligations to design facilities that enhance learning for now and the future. Analytical critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal awareness, technological knowledge and abilities to embrace change are skills essential for success in life and careers.

Shifts in education and learning can affect how spaces are designed. The shift from teacher instruction to student-centered engagement is key to advancing learning. Student-centered learning embraces project-based problem-solving, team collaboration, peer tutoring, one-on-one engagement, independent study, class lecture and student presentation.

spatial-visual, bodily-visual, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist and existential.

Gardner asserted that because everyone has strengths and weaknesses in various intelligences, curriculum development and teaching should be approached and delivered in multiple ways to tap into each learner’s strengths and confidence levels.

The 21st-century research of Patricia Kuhl, codirector of the Institute for Learning Brain Sciences at the University of Washington, has found that the “social brain” presents opportunities to tap into inherent natural abilities. Learning should feature activities emphasizing collaboration, teamwork, cooperation and peer-to-peer connections, with circular or U-shaped layouts that enable interactions. It is essential to challenge established pedagogies and design facilities that better align with how students learn. Designing agile spaces that support individual learning behaviors and social brain abilities is key to elevating experiences and connecting to each person’s unique cognition.

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 .

Traditional “cells-and-bells” classroom layouts fall short of meeting learning needs. Facilities with a variety of flexible and agile spaces inside and outside the classroom advance learning experiences. The Dunn and Dunn learning style model developed in the 1970s supports this idea. Through applied research, Rita Dunn and Kenneth Dunn identified variables that significantly affect individual student learning behaviors: environment (e.g., sound, light, temperature, seating); emotions (e.g., motivation, responsibility-conformity, task persistence, structure); sociological preferences (e.g., learning alone, in pairs, with peer groups, in teams, with an adult); physiological characteristics (e.g., perceptual strengths, intake needs, mobility learning, time-ofday), and psychological processing (e.g, analytical/ global, reflective/impulsive).

Psychologist Howard Gardner challenged traditional views of education with new ways of understanding human intelligence. In his 1983 book, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Gardner identified six intelligences (and later added three) that describe human cognition and potential: verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical,

Agile learning areas described as flexible-collaboration spaces, makerspaces, nooks, mountain-tops, and campfires are designed to support learner preferences and aptitudes. Interior spaces may include seminar settings, small-group rooms, large-group forum spaces, social-gathering centers, individual-study nooks, messy-work-creativity areas, and STEAM labs.

Facility designs that enhance learning may include views into spaces for instilling curiosity of onlookers to “see” learning, movable partitions for changing room sizes, ubiquitous technology, varying ceiling heights and flexible furniture.

Outdoor spaces may include natural habitat areas, physical education space, areas for vocational construction projects, and gardens incorporating regenerative agriculture. Additional areas may include playgrounds, amphitheaters and canopied space for presentations.

Educators and facilities design specialists have unique opportunities and obligations to design facilities that support learning today and for the future. Curricula and facilities that support and enhance knowledge and skills development will benefit children, society and the world.

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Greenheck Redesigns HVLS Overhead Fans

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

Brian Sack

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

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

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

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

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

Greenheck has redesigned its DS-3 three-bladed and DS-6 six-bladed High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) overhead fans. They are engineered to deliver significant performance advantages, advanced configurability, and ease of installation for a wide range of applications. The redesigned DS Series fans provide higher air performance up to 281,700 cfm, larger coverage areas, and increased cooling effects up to 15°F. Each model is rated for a maximum operating temperature of 130°F/55°C and carries an IP66 ingress protection rating that ensures protection against dust and water in extreme conditions. http://www.greenheck.com/products/air-movement/fans/overhead-hvls-fans

Tennant Company’s T360 Walk-Behind Scrubber

Tennant Company’s latest mid-sized scrubber is the T360. It has intuitive controls, strong cleaning capability and productivity-focused design. It offers a straightforward, effective cleaning solution for facility owners and operators seeking equipment that’s easy to operate and maintain. The T360’s one-button Stop-Start control, magnetic-assisted brush and pad change-out system, and easy-access maintenance touchpoints simplify operation and daily upkeep. Clear sight lines improve maneuverability along walls and in tight spaces, and the large recovery tank opening simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

https://www.tennantco.com/en_us/1/machines/scrubbers/product.t360.mid-size-walk-behind-floor-scrubber. tn8000534.html

Bradley’s introduces in-wall lavatory carrier

Bradley Company’s new In-Wall Lavatory Carrier is engineered to provide reliable structural support for Bradley’s wall-mounted lavatory systems. Designed in collaboration with plumbing and drainage solutions leader Josam, the concealed carrier delivers a durable, code-compliant mounting alternative that integrates seamlessly with select Verge® and Express® Lavatory Systems. Compatible with standard construction framing, the carrier’s laser-engraved, pre-punched mounting holes and threaded rods ensure precise alignment and fast installation. Its adjustable supporting rods accommodate varying wall constructions, and the universal style design ensures compatibility with Bradley’s one- to four-station Verge and Express lavatory systems. https://www.bradleycorp.com/product/in-wall-carriers-for-verge-and-express-lavatory-systems

Mitsubishi Electric Introduces AT-MOD – Modernization for Elevators

The Elevator and Escalator Division of Mitsubishi Electric US has launched the AT-MOD modernization package, designed to enhance building vertical transportation systems while preserving major existing components that may otherwise be prohibitively costly to replace. The AT-MOD package enables building owners to improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of their elevators by integrating Mitsubishi Electric’s latest modernization technology with existing system components. The package is well-suited for projects where a complete replacement may not be feasible because of building logistics, budget considerations or tenant impact. www.mitsubishielevator.com

Knauf Insulation fiberglass is now formaldehyde-free

Knauf Insulation says it has become the first fiberglass insulation manufacturer to be entirely formaldehyde-free across its product portfolio. As of Jan. 1, 2026, all remaining manufacturing equipment that uses formaldehyde to manufacture fiberglass insulation will be removed from the plants. This milestone reflects Knauf’s commitment to highperforming, sustainable insulation products through its ECOSE® Technology, a plant-based binder that replaces traditional formaldehyde-based ingredients. ECOSE Technology provides a smarter alternative to the phenol formaldehyde binders traditionally used in fiberglass insulation products, and sets a new industry standard for sustainable insulation.

https://www.knaufinsulation.com/

Tarkett refreshes Even Plane LVT collection

Tarkett has refreshed its Even Plane™ luxury vinyl tile portfolio. New patterns to the collection include Terrazzo, available in two hues, and Patine, an abstract visual available in 10 colors ideal for education environments. Even Plane LVT features a non-woven fiberglass layer that resists indentation and absorbs the sound of nearby foot traffic 30% better than code requires. For additional comfort and delineation of space, it can be installed alongside carpet tile without transition strips. The collection features a range of wood, stone and abstract styles, all on a 32-mil wear layer with Tarkett’s Techtonic® technology coating for extra resistance to scratches, scuffs, stains and abrasions.

https://commercial.tarkett.com/collections/even-plane

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World Dryer’s New Sanitize + Dry Hand Dryer

World Dryer has launched the SANITIZE + DRY™ Hand Dryer, engineered to elevate hygiene through advanced cold plasma technology. This system generates reactive molecules that kill bacteria and viruses directly in the air stream, achieving sanitization without chemicals, sprays, filters or paper towels. The dryer’s sleek, ADAcompliant profile integrates into diverse restroom design styles without the need for expensive recess kits. The adjustable three-speed motor enable operators to fine-tune airflow and sound levels, optimizing user comfort and energy performance. Designed for high-speed drying with minimal power draw, the unit delivers reliable efficiency in a sleek, impact-resistant form. Its streamlined design simplifies installation and contributes to long-term operational savings for a wide range of facility environments. worlddryer.com.

Siplast Introduces New Line of Waterproofing Solutions

Siplast delivers high-performance waterproofing solutions for below-grade applications. It has introduced TeraPROOF™, a portfolio of materials engineered to create a robust waterproofing solution for commercial buildings. The waterproofing solutions include TeraPROOF™ Pre-Applied SBS Membranes and TeraPROOF™ STP Liquid Membrane, along with accessories such as TeraPROOF™ Protection CS1000 and TeraPROOF™ 10-11 Drainage Mat. TeraPROOF™ systems are for horizontal and vertical waterproofing applications. https://www.siplast.com/solutions/below-grade-waterproofing.

Saniflow Advances Hygiene Technology for Public Facilities

Saniflow, a manufacturer of commercial restroom solutions, has advanced HEPA filtration, Ion Hygienic technology, quiet motor operation, and hygienic design built into its product line. Each Saniflow dryer has a HEPA media filter that captures up to 99% of airborne particles before air reaches users’ hands. In parallel, Ion Hygienic technology emits negatively charged particles that help neutralize bacteria and viruses in the airstream. Adjustable motor settings give operators control over noise and power. Saniflow’s designs integrate hygiene into every detail. This holistic approach means reduced touchpoints, easier maintenance, and a visual aesthetic that reinforces confidence in cleanliness.

www.saniflowcorp.com

Sloan’s Filtration Solutions Help Schools and Public Facilities

Sloan, manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems, is helping schools and other public facilities qualify for grants and comply with legislation that focus on safe, clean drinking water in schools and daycare facilities. Sloan’s DropSpot Bottle Fillers and Water Coolers are designed to deliver safe, clean water with every use, addressing growing concerns about lead and PFAS contamination in drinking water systems. Sloan has provided numerous schools and other public facilities with DropSpot Bottle Fillers and Water Coolers that meet and exceed standards for lead and particulate reduction. Sloan’s filtration technology addresses PFAS contamination through total PFAS filtration that reduces all individual PFAS compounds, not just the most common ones. These 3,000-gallon, IAPMO-certified filters also reduce lead, microplastics, cysts, Class 1 Particulates, chlorine, and other contaminants while complying with NSF-42, 53, and 401 standard to make more healthful water available to schools and other public facilities.

www.sloan.com/resources/product-tools/compliances-certifications/michigan-filter-first/filter-first

Nilfisk Launches VP25 Robotic Vacuum for the Professional Cleaning Market

Nilfisk has introduced the Nilfisk VP25, a versatile industrial-grade robotic vacuum that ensures consistent cleaning at the push of a button. The VP25 was created to efficiently vacuum open, high-traffic areas; it is ideal for use in office spaces, the hospitality sector and retail. It is engineered to help businesses improve productivity and consistently maintain a clean, safe environment and handle labor-intensive tasks. With its quiet operation and HEPA filtering, the VP25 also improves workplace air quality, reduces airborne allergens, and minimizes noise pollution. Tool-free access to the dust bag and filter makes the VP25 easy to maintain. Its highly durable components ensure minimal downtime.

https://www.nilfisk.com/en-us/

JLG Updates Its Rotating Telehandler Line

JLG Industries has updated its line of rotating telehandlers, including the introduction of the R13100 model. Engineered to tackle the most demanding job site challenges, the refreshed lineup delivers both horizontal and vertical lift-and-place capabilities for greater productivity, enhanced operator confidence and advanced technology. Advancing the legacy of its predecessor, the R11100, the R13100 model has an impressive 13,200-pound capacity and a maximum lift height of 97 feet. Alongside the R1370 and R1385 models, the R13100 provides contractors with a consistent, reliable solution. All three models are equipped with a 2-speed, stop-to-shift hydrostatic transmission.

http://www.jlg.com/

New leader chosen for nation’s largest school district

Kamar Samuels has been appointed as chancellor of the New York City public schools.

Chalkbeat New York reports that newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose Samuels to lead the nation’s largest public school system because “this moment demands a new generation of leadership” that “understands our schools” and has a “transformative vision” on how to lead them.

Samuels has served as superintendent of Manhattan’s District 3 and Brooklyn’s District 13. He started out as a teacher and principal in the Bronx.

2 Oregon universities announce merger

Two universities in Oregon say they plan to merge and become the state’s largest private higher education institution.

The Salem Reporter says that Willamette University and Pacific University have announced plans to create what will be called the University of the Northwest. Willamette has campuses in Salem and Portland, and

Samuels’ work overseeing the school district’s literacy curriculum mandate, NYC Reads, led to an increase in test scores, Mamdani said. Samuels also secured more than $10 million in grants to advance integration efforts through admissions policies, mergers, and rezonings.

The new chancellor replaces Melissa Aviles-Ramos, who had held the job since October 2024.

Pacific has campuses in Forest Grove and Hillsboro.

The result would “combine the flexibility and nimbleness of a small school with the breadth and resources of a larger institution,” according to a joint statement from the universities.

Together, the schools have a combined enrollment of about 6,000 students. Those include undergraduates and graduate students in Willamette’s law, business and art and Pacific’s health sciences, optometry and teacher programs.

The universities will keep their campuses and maintain their own admissions processes.

Landline phones on the way out of New York City schools

The New York City school system wants to phase out the thousands of telephone landlines at its 1,800 schools and is set to seek bids from companies to install a strictly online system.

The New York Post reports that the nation’s largest school system is looking to “transition from aging digital PBX [Private Branch Exchange] systems to a unified, resilient, and cost-effective VOI [Voice over Internet Protocol] ecosystem.”

“As our schools, city, and world evolve, we are in the infancy stages of evaluating telecommunications alternatives that would sig-

nificantly reduce our reliance on traditional landlines,” a schools spokesman says.

The district has sent out an information request to potential bidders, a precursor for an official bid for a new telecommunications system. The new system must have the capacity to support 150,000 staffers in 1,800 schools serving more than 900,000 students.

Bus driver shortages persist, but some improvement is seen

The nationwide school bus driver shortage has improved slightly in the last year, but the number of drivers is still 9.5% lower than it was in 2019, the Economic Policy Institute says.

The institute’s report notes that many financially strapped school districts have curtailed bus service or eliminated routes.

“These types of cuts can eliminate a student’s only way to attend school, including for students with disabilities who rely on buses to attend schools with enhanced special education services,” the institute says. “Inconsistent bus schedules and routes can also contribute to absenteeism and missed school meals.”

The report found that 21,200 fewer bus drivers were employed in the United States in August 2025 compared with August 2019.

In the last year, the bus driver figures are more positive. Employment has increased by about 2,300 jobs--1.1%. The institute says the improvement appears to be driven by rising wages for drivers.

“Hourly wages have grown steadily over the last year,” the report says. “In August 2025, the median hourly wage for school bus drivers was $22.45, 4.2% greater than last year (when accounting for inflation).”

New York City Department of Education

Willamette University

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Additional Information

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BOOTH#: C5716