I have just returned from Baltimore, where I attended the School Equipment Show, hosted by the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), www.nssea.org.

More than 150 manufacturers were exhibiting the latest furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the educational market. It’s a great opportunity to have a first-hand look at the products being introduced for schools. I was able sit in some of the newest ergonomic classroom chairs, experiment with new whiteboard technology, and check out fun recreational products.

Of course, one big issue that continues to come up in conversations is “going green.” I’m seeing this topic appear in virtually every element of an educational facility, from playground equipment to sustainable buildings to classroom furniture.

One of the conferences at the show included “What Is Green School Design?” and was presented by Robert Kobet of Sustainaissance International.

Kobet said, “Five years ago, there was a huge debate about the benefits of building green. Today, the debate is over the cost of building green. Five years from now, there will be no debate—building green will be the standard and part of the building code.”

The next five years will certainly be interesting, as we see how the environment affects how we build new facilities and what we buy to fill them.

This issue finds us closing out another calendar year. In 2009, look for Christian School Products to continue to provide you with the latest and greatest products and services to hit the market to help you operate your educational facility effectively and efficiently.

This year was another great year here at the magazine, one that saw the launch of our monthly e-newsletter, another way that we’re keeping you up-to-date on what you need to know as a school administrator. If you haven’t already signed up for this new resource, you can visit our Web site, www.cspmag.com, to subscribe.

I’m always interested in hearing from you. You can reach me at jill@cspmag.com.

God Bless,

Jill Pinheiro
Managing Editor