This manual is designed to fill two distinct needs in the school maintenance field: (1) a text or resource in training new maintenance staff members and in staff development, and (2) a reference source for the routine tasks and problems encountered in school sanitation and maintenance. Section 1 covers the basics of good school maintenance, including management, use of computers, controlling energy costs, safe maintenance practices, and designing buildings for efficient maintenance. Section 2 focuses on cleaning and general building services. Topics include organizing the custodial operation, creating a local handbook for custodians, area cleaning programs, custodial procedures and services, equipment and supplies, a custodian's glossary, and maintenance of synthetic surfaces. Section 3 covers maintaining the building, both exterior and roof, while section 4 covers maintaining school grounds. Section 5 focuses on maintaining mechanical equipment: heating and air conditioning systems, sanitary systems and fixtures, sewage treatment plants, electrical systems, and food service equipment. Section 6 is a management tools appendix, consisting of forms and checklists for effective maintenance management in the areas of cleanup and general building services, grounds maintenance, mechanical equipment, and annual inspection. (TE)