Semester 2: More feedback...

A few weeks ago I sent out some emails to various schools asking them a range of questions regarding school furniture, and a few of them are being answered...finally. Heres the latest:

Hi Nick

Here are my answers to your questions.

1. There are furniture sizes available for each year group. So if I was setting up a new room I would buy furniture to suit the year level going into that room. It is recommended to have a mixture in a classroom as not all children are the same size. Certainly over time our classrooms at Long Bay Primary School have ended up with a mixture of furniture sizes.

2. All the points you mention come into consideration when buying furniture. Ergonomics is appreciated as an important consideration now. Teachers look at function, look and colour. I'm big on durability and good stacking as children are rough on furniture and stacking is important for holiday cleaning. The Ministry of Education provide furniture funding for a new building and some money each year for furniture replacements. So cost is not a major factor so long as the MoE money covers the requirements. Schools do not have much spare money to bridge any gaps.

3. Furniture options and manufacturing considerations have come a long way in the last 15 years. I think we have a good supply to choose from in NZ.

4. Good furniture is expensive but because of the MoE funding mentioned in number 2 above I think the cost impact of furniture on schools is not major.

5. I have not purchased furniture for a while now, but my impression is the price is reflected fairly in the fact that the furniture has to look after the human frame (health and safety) and take a battering from the hand of students (especially teenagers).

6. In my experience it is made to last until if is beyond repair. At LBPS we wash the seats each year, broken welds are re-welded again, touch up paint is applied, new plastic chair feet are purchased etc. Where you get an upgrade is usually when the school has an MoE classroom new build or refurbishment and the principal will often get some new furniture for other classrooms by bulk buying and making $ savings.

7. With a new build or a refurbishment of some classrooms quotes are obtained and all the furniture is usually purchased in one hit. This gets the best savings. Otherwise there are small occasional purchases to cater for class size increases, new product items that function better that what's owned, special needs students, fair wear and tear etc.

8. Yes it seems it is all about technology now and this drives some furniture needs e.g. mobile storage units for these devices. The cost of technology purchases, servers, upgrades, wireless capability, service personnel, wiring, data outlets, staff training etc. is a huge cost to schools now.

This is pretty interesting stuff, and its a relief that it somewhat reiterates my goals for this project! It must mean I'm on the right track......