SPECIAL CARE IS TAKEN TO KEEP THE SCHOOLS IN ATTRACTIVE CONDITION, MAKING SURE THAT REFURBISHING PROJECTS ARE INITIATED BEFORE THE NEED FOR THEM BECOMES OBVIOUS TO ALL. BY KEEPING THE SCHOOLS IN TOP CONDITION, VANDALISM COSTS ARE REDUCED; THIS IN TURN LEAVES MORE MONEY AVAILABLE FOR MAINTENANCE. MEASURES SUCH AS TEACHER PATROLS OF HALLS HAVE ALSO BEEN INSTITUTED, FURTHER REDUCING THE INCIDENCES OF DISRUPTION AND VANDALISM. A FINAL IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE SCHOOL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM IS THAT CUSTODIAL PERSONNEL ARE PAID GOOD COMPETITIVE SALARIES AND ARE GIVEN A GOOD DEAL OF RESPECT, THUS ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE AND PRIDE IN THEIR WORK....DMC