As an alternative to new construction or consolidation, many rural communities are considering the option of retaining their existing schools, upgrading them through renovations, and providing community-sensitive and effective additions as needed. The feeling of being connected to one's community can be enhanced by the continuity of community institutions, and in rural areas the school is an important community institution. The integrated sequence approach to an addition or renovation project is distinguished primarily by the commitment and effort applied to analyzing the existing building and integrating meaningful existing elements with new elements. Challenges to successful school renovation include state and federal building codes and standards, the need for flexible design, and environmental concerns. Steps in the integrated sequence approach involve organizing participants; formulating a plan that considers the life expectancy of existing buildings, elements with potential for reuse, the value of existing building components, and other cost variables; maintaining good communications with the community and the builders during the construction phase; commissioning the building; and final completion. Case histories describe the sequential renovation and development of school buildings in Cambridge, Minnesota, and McGregor, Minnesota. (Contains 26 references.) (SV)