- Boulder Valley School District, Colorado — especially useful because the district itself has an excellent “Resilient Schools: Responding to declining enrollment” page. On September 22 it approved closing Douglass, Mesa and Flatirons elementary schools for 2027–28, along with relocations and consolidation. Boulder Valley School District
Boulder Valley — Resilient Schools Plan - Duval County Public Schools, Florida — four elementary schools closed for 2026–27: Don Brewer, George Washington Carver, Hyde Grove and Hidden Oaks. The district explicitly describes the process as “right-sizing.” Duval County Public Schools
Duval County — Consolidations and Closures - Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida — approved nine closures/consolidations for 2026–27 after enrollment fell about 4% in one year. The district expected roughly $10 million in savings. K-12 Dive
- Houston-area districts, Texas — particularly striking: districts across the Houston region closed 26 campuses over the past year, citing combinations of declining enrollment, aging buildings and budget deficits. Houston ISD itself approved 12 closures. Houston Chronicle
- Poudre School District, Colorado — very current. Its planning committee recommended nine school closures and two consolidations this week. Superintendent Brian Kingsley points directly to fewer births, high cost of living and fewer families residing in the area. KUNC
Poudre school-closure report - Norfolk Public Schools, Virginia — particularly valuable for the long view. Enrollment fell from 34,023 in 2005–06 to 24,754, a 27% decline. Norfolk consequently adopted a phased plan to close and consolidate nine schools through 2034. Norfolk.gov
- Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Oregon — plans to close as many as eight elementary schools in 2027. District enrollment, recently above 40,000, is projected to fall toward 35,000 over five years.
Declining Enrollment
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Declining Enrollment
Open Commission Meeting
“The wireless age has brought us closer together,
yet we must work to ensure that it does not divide us.”
— Guglielmo Marconi
Maxwell equations: A complete description of electromagnetism and light
FCC Proposes to Modify Technical Rules for Digital FM Stations
Our Office of Engineering & Technology maintains the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, manages Experimental Licensing & Equipment Authorization programs, regulates operation of unlicensed devices, and conducts engineering & technical studies. https://t.co/MATs1ThyxL #FCC101
— FCC (@FCC) August 17, 2023
The FCC is the United States’ primary authority for communications laws, regulation and technological innovation. We provide a link to the August 3rd meeting during which time rules for Digital FM Radio and Non-Federal Spectrum Usage were discussed. Campus Security Radio, National Public Radio and Student Radio are central features of education community culture and safety and are typically available when the internet is not.
Schenkingen
“The secret of great fortunes without apparent cause
is a crime forgotten, for it was properly done.”
CASE FAQ for Standards: Definition of Educational Philanthropy
Are they hedge funds with a side hustle in teaching, research and building construction? Are they tricked out memorial gardens for philanthropists? In either case leaders of educational settlements are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.
University endowments are comprised of money or other financial assets that are donated to academic institutions. Charitable donations are the primary source of funds for endowments. Endowment funds support the teaching, research, and public service missions of colleges and universities.
In the case of endowment funds for academic institutions, the income generated is intended to finance a portion of the operating or capital requirements of the institution. In addition to a general university endowment fund, institutions may also maintain a number of restricted endowments that are intended to fund specific areas within the institution, including professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.
More
2021 NACUBO-TIAA Study of Endowments
University of Michigan: Policy Guidelines for Naming of Facilities, Spaces and Streets
Dartmouth University Endowment Report 2023
https://www.dartmouth.edu/investments/docs/dartmouthendowmentreport2023.pdf
The largest philanthropic gift ever given to a United States college or university is the donation of $9.6 billion made by MacKenzie Scott to various organizations, including several universities, in 2020. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made the donation as part of her commitment to give away the majority of her wealth to charitable causes. The universities that received donations from Scott include historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, and research universities such as the University of California, San Diego, and Johns Hopkins University. The donation was considered significant not only for its size but also for its focus on supporting organizations that serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.
There are several standards and best practices that are generally followed by universities and colleges when accepting charitable gifts. These standards are designed to ensure that the gift is used effectively and that the interests of both the donor and the institution are protected. Some of the key standards include:
- Transparency and accountability: Universities and colleges are expected to be transparent about how gifts are used and to provide regular reports to donors on the impact of their gifts.
- Due diligence: Universities and colleges are expected to conduct due diligence on potential donors to ensure that their gifts do not create conflicts of interest or ethical concerns.
- Gift acceptance policies: Many universities and colleges have established gift acceptance policies that outline the types of gifts that will be accepted and the procedures for accepting them.
- Donor recognition: Universities and colleges are expected to recognize donors in an appropriate and meaningful way, while avoiding actions that could be seen as an endorsement of the donor’s business or political interests.
- Ethical fundraising: Universities and colleges are expected to follow ethical fundraising practices, including avoiding pressure tactics or misleading information, and ensuring that donors are aware of any tax implications of their gifts.
Overall, universities and colleges are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.
Naming & Signs
Most educational settlements are not overloaded by signage by design but distracted management (overlapping temporary signs, inconsistent styles) or large footprints supports the perception. Today at the usual hour we explore the literature covering exterior and interior signage with emphases on coherence and necessity.
ANSI Z535.2-2023: Environmental and Facility Safety Signs
Consistency with Institutional Branding
- Signage must align with the educational institution’s brand identity, including logos, colors, and typography (e.g., Helvetica font is often specified, as seen in some university standards).
- Corporate logos are typically prohibited on primary exterior signage to maintain institutional focus.
Compliance with Local Zoning and Building Codes
- Signs must adhere to municipal zoning regulations, which dictate size, height, placement, and illumination (e.g., NYC Building Code Appendix H or similar local codes).
- Permits may be required, and signage must not obstruct traffic visibility or pedestrian pathways.
ADA Accessibility Requirements
- Exterior signs identifying permanent spaces (e.g., entrances or exits) must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, including visual character requirements (legible fonts, sufficient contrast).
- Tactile signs with Braille are required at specific locations like exit stairways or discharge points, per the U.S. Access Board guidelines, though not all exterior signs need to be tactile.
Wayfinding and Identification Functionality
- Signs should clearly identify buildings, provide directional guidance, and include essential information (e.g., building names, departments, or campus districts).
- Placement is typically near main entrances, limited to one per building unless otherwise justified.
Material and Durability Standards
- Materials must be weather-resistant and durable (e.g., extruded or cast aluminum with finishes like natural or dark bronze, avoiding plastic in some cases).
- Maintenance considerations ensure longevity and legibility over time.
Size and Placement Restrictions
- Size is often regulated (e.g., no larger than necessary for legibility, with some institutions capping temporary signs at 32 square feet).
- Placement avoids upper building portions unless in urban settings or campus peripheries, ensuring aesthetic harmony.
Approval and Review Processes
- Exterior signage often requires review by a campus design or sign committee (e.g., a university’s Design Review Board).
- For partnerships or donor-funded buildings, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) may govern signage rights and standards.
Safety and Visibility Standards
- Signs must not create hazards (e.g., minimum clearance of 7.5 feet above walkways, no sharp edges).
- Illumination, if allowed, must comply with safety codes and enhance visibility without causing glare or distraction.
Temporary Signage Regulations
- Temporary signs (e.g., banners or construction signs) have time limits (e.g., 30-90 days per year) and must be approved, with size and frequency restrictions. The National Electrical Code Article 590 covers temporary wiring for festoon illumination and defines “temporary” as 90 days.
Somewhat Related:
Before CAD, Architect wrote like this. A handwriting everyone could understand. pic.twitter.com/dYyIJMNsOx
— LMD (Arc.) (@Layemie001) June 14, 2026
University of Michigan Naming Policy Guideline
Michigan State University: Building and Facilities Naming
University of Buffalo Naming Guidelines
University of Vienna: Analyzing wayfinding processes in the outdoor environment
Wolverine Village
Something for the Suggestion Box: None of these four distinguished Michigan graduates have a University of Michigan campus building bearing his name:
Thomas Weller (Nobel Laureate)
Frank Murphy (US Supreme Court Justice)
Kelly Johnson (Aeronautical Engineer of World War II aircraft),
Claude Shannon (Pioneer of Superintelligence now transforming the world)
Eunice Royster Harper worked at the University of Michigan for 41 years, retiring as Vice-President of Student Affairs.
Regents Communication: Naming Approval
* Eunice Royster Harper’s Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania (degree attested by U-M; year, program and doctoral work not yet identified).
NGO, QUANGO or Something Else: How Harvard and Other Colleges Manage Their Endowments
Bill Ackman: Anti-Semitism at Harvard
Harvard Black Students Association: “Harvard is ‘Ours’ Now”
Dr. Claudine Gay Doctoral Dissertation
“Taking charge: Black electoral success and the redefinition of American politics”
- In Challenging Year, Higher Education Endowments See Declines in Returns and Values but Boost Overall Spending, NACUBO-TIAA Study Finds
- NACUBO 2023: Commonfund Study of Endowments
- Harvard University Financial Administration Report: June 30, 2023
Related:
Direct Current Distribution
Direct Current Buildings and Smart Grid
Today at the usual hour we examine the case studies undertaken by Department of Energy to explore the feasibility of buildings powered by entirely by direct current. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Energy Design and Scoping Tool for DC Distribution Systems
DC POWER FOR BUILDINGS | CORE STANDARDS
IEC 60364 — Low-Voltage Electrical Installations
IEC 60364-1 — Fundamental Principles, Assessment of General Characteristics, Definitions
IEC 60364-5-52 — Selection and Erection of Electrical Equipment | Wiring Systems
IEC 60364-5-53 — Protection, Isolation, Switching, Control and Monitoring
IEC 60364-5-54 — Earthing Arrangements and Protective Conductors
IEC 60364-5-55 — Other Equipment | Generating Sets and Related Equipment
IEC 60364-8-82 — Prosumer’s Low-Voltage Electrical Installations
NFPA 70 — National Electrical Code
Article 250 — Grounding and Bonding
Article 690 — Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Article 705 — Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources
Article 706 — Energy Storage Systems
Article 712 — Direct Current Microgrids
Article 720 — Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than 50 Volts
Power-Limited Circuits
Today at the usual hour we review best practice literature for the design, construction and operation of Power-Limited Circuits in healthcare facilities. With our previous tenure on Code Panel 15 of the National Electrical Code (which covers healthcare facilities, primarily) and our recent appointment by IEEE to Code Panel 3 (which covers power limited circuits in all occupancy classes) we set ourselves up to respond to the proposals that will shape the 2029 NEC. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
vbvbvbvbvb
If one imagines that three-phase hospital power distribution systems as “arteries” then power limited circuits can be imagined as the “capillaries” that drive hundreds of end use clinical equipment and devices. The analogy captures the hierarchical, physiological structure of hospital electrical systems—much like the human circulatory system—where power flows from high-capacity trunks to precision, low-risk endpoints.
Three-Phase Systems: The Arteries and Veins
Three-phase hospital power distribution systems function as the arteries and veins: they are the robust, high-volume “vascular” network. Incoming utility power (or on-site generators) arrives as three-phase medium voltage, stepped down through transformers and switchgear into the Essential Electrical System (EES). This backbone—normal power, life-safety, critical, and equipment branches—delivers bulk kilowatts across the facility to major loads: HVAC, lighting, elevators, imaging suites, and operating-room receptacles. Like arteries, these feeders carry large currents over long distances with minimal loss; like veins, they return current safely while maintaining redundancy and selective coordination to keep the “body” (hospital) alive during outages.
Power-Limited Circuits: The Capillaries
Power-limited circuits (NEC Article 725/724 Class 2 and Class 3) are the capillaries. They are the countless, tiny, energy-restricted final branches that directly “perfuse” end-use clinical devices. These circuits are deliberately power-limited—typically ≤30 V and ≤100 VA—to prevent fire, shock, or interference in patient-care spaces. They supply nurse-call systems, bedside monitors, infusion-pump controls, alarm signaling, data links, and low-voltage sensors. Just as capillaries exchange oxygen and nutrients cell-by-cell without flooding tissue, power-limited circuits deliver only the precise, safe wattage needed by sensitive electronics while isolating them from the high-energy main distribution. Their thin insulation, separation rules, and inherent current-limiting transformers mirror the delicate walls of capillaries.
The comparison illuminates why hospitals cannot rely solely on heavy three-phase feeders: without these microscopic “capillaries,” clinical devices would either lack power or be exposed to dangerous fault energies. The analogy shows how the entire system maintains life—bulk transport for infrastructure, micro-delivery for patient care—while enforcing safety through progressive limitation. In essence, the capillaries make the circulatory system functional at the point of use.
Hegemon Cuyahoga & County Dublin
Financial Presentations & Webcasts
First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release | May 5, 2026
Here we shift our perspective 120 degrees to understand the point of view of the Producer interest in the American national standards system (See ANSI Essential Requirements). The title of this post draws from the location of US and European headquarters. We list proposals by a successful electrical manufacturer for discussion during today’s colloquium:
2026 National Electrical Code
CMP-1: short circuit current ratings, connections with copper cladded aluminum conductors, maintenance to be provided by OEM, field markings
CMP-2: reconditioned equipment, receptacles in accessory buildings, GFCI & AFCI protection, outlet placement generally, outlets for outdoor HVAC equipment(1)
(1) Here we would argue that if a pad mount HVAC unit needs service with tools that need AC power once every 5-10 years then the dedicated branch circuit is not needed. Many campuses have on-site, full-time staff that can service outdoor pad mounted HVAC equipment without needing a nearby outlet. One crew — two electricians — will run about $2500 per day to do anything on campus.
CMP-3: No proposals
CMP-4: solar voltaic systems (1)
(1) Seems reasonable – spillover outdoor night time lighting effect upon solar panel charging should be identified.
CMP-5: Administrative changes only
CMP-6: No proposals
CMP-7: Distinction between “repair” and “servicing”
CMP-8: Reconditioned equipment
CMP-9: Reconditioned equipment
CMP-10: Short circuit ratings, service disconnect, disconnect for meters, transformer secondary conductor, secondary conductor taps, surge protective devices, disconnecting means generally, spliced and tap conductors, more metering safety, 1200 ampere threshold for arc reduction technology, reconditioned surge equipment shall not be permitted, switchboard short circuit ratings
CMP-11: Lorem
CMP-12: Lorem
CMP-13: Lorem
Lorem ipsum
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
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