Adequate school plant maintenance and operational services are important factors in pupil protection, educational progress, property preservation, and in pupil and community pride in schools. Each school administrator or school employee responsible for the care and use of school plants should have some knowledge of the basic principles and procedures involved in school plant care. Adequate school plant care is economical. Such care can best be provided by competent, well-trained custodial and maintenance staffs. Training facilities should be improved and each custodian encouraged to obtain the training required to qualify him to render the service desired. This bulletin explains the importance of school plant care, the problems with operating "service poor," and the necessity for service improvement. Sections describe recent improvements in service administration, including working conditions, workloads, and performance standards; and custodial training, such as basic principles in custodial training, instruction methods, and State participation in custodial training. Examples are provided of existing training programs, some of which are directed by colleges or universities. A bibliography is also included. (Contains 30 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]