COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1999 -- School systems planning ahead received a guiding document today with the release of the American Association of School Administrators report "Preparing Schools and School Systems for the 21st Century." The study was made possible with funding from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and AMP Incorporated.

Ron Niebel, business services manager for American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), one of the major sponsors of EPRI´s education initiative, worked with AASA to produce the report.

"The study identifies 16 major characteristics that schools need to prepare students for a global information age," Niebel said. "One of the characteristics addresses the physical plant, which is where local utilities can be of critical assistance to school districts."

Among the 10 technical considerations the study lists as necessary for an environmentally responsive infrastructure and facilities, several fall specifically within the expertise of utilities: "...technology integration; adequate electric power, classroom wiring that includes voice, video, data and power; heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting; indoor air quality; ...and adequate control systems."

"We are recommending that schools ask utilities for help in improving their communications systems, electrotechnologies and indoor air quality as well as their wiring, lighting, heating and cooling," Niebel said.

"Ultimately, a school should be a place for more than classroom education. The community should be able to use their school buildings safely and comfortably around the clock."

AEP will be distributing copies of the report to school leaders within its seven-state service territory. Former Ohio Senator John Glenn served as honorary chair of the AASA study.

AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States’ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.