A transformation of public attitudes on the environment has resulted in more stringent standards on almost all school programs for hazardous waste management, air quality, groundwater, and emergency planning and response. A comprehensive environmental risk reduction and management policy should highlight the potential for environmental risks in school facilities, operations, and activities. Hazards examined range from natural threats such as radon to man-made contaminants such as pesticides, PCBs, asbestos, and lead in drinking water. Risk reduction is possible through a systematic management plan. A short article discussing the sensationalization by the news media of controversial environmental issues and biases of the press is included, and seven techniques board members and administrators can use to reduce public apprehension about environmental risk are briefly described. (SI)