A number of disadvantages cripple school efforts to face current energy shortages. Most schools were built at a time when energy was inexpensive and abundant and their structural design gave little regard to energy efficiency. Coupled with poor maintenance programs, school facilities may waste as much as 25 to 50 percent of the energy used. As an increasing share of educational budgets is directed toward fuel expenses, higher student-teacher ratios and reductions in the quality of education will result. Extracurricular activities and community use of school facilities may be curtailed and short time school closings and complete disruption of the educational process may even occur. Small rural schools are particularly hard hit. Maintenance or conservation efforts are often assigned to personnel who have other full time responsibilities. Apathy, limited technical knowledge and lack of public support often stiffle attempts to improve energy efficiency. Seldom is there sufficient administrative time or financial support to permit participation in energy clinics or workshops. An energy management program for developing energy-efficient schools is needed. This systematic approach would include assessment by experts of how much energy is used by a school, inspection of facilities to find conditions that cause energy waste, and funds, guidance, and technical assistance given to implement energy efficient improvements. (DS)