A guide intended to be used by boards of education and administrators lists economical and socially useful ways to put unwanted schools back to work. Items include minimizing community opposition, help that can be obtained from consultants, zoning questions, and some alternative building uses that may be considered. (Author/MLF)

Beginning on the front cover, this article recommends planning ahead and involving the community in surplus school use decisions. It suggests turning surplus schools into projects restoring historic buildings and benefitting neighborhoods. (JM)

School administrators confronted with the possibility of having to close a school need to inform the public, assess community attitudes and needs, and identify the best possible use of the buildings. Existing schools must be reexamined in light of the new need to conserve energy and reduce operating costs. Measures that reduce energy consumption…