Celebrating our Maintenance & Operations Team!

March 7 is National Maintenance Workers Appreciation Day! Behind every well-lit classroom and safe walkway is our incredible maintenance and operations staff. Our district has a talented and dedicated team that keeps our buildings and grounds in tiptop shape, ensuring safe and welcoming spaces for staff and students. The team have a diverse range of specialties, supported by a knowledgeable office staff; some of the services they provide include:

• Grounds: provides general grounds maintenance, mowing, athletic field striping, herbicide/pesticide application, delivery, graffiti removal, parking lot safety, and pruning
• Carpentry: including general carpentry, painting, cabinetry, flooring, asbestos abatement, roofing, and hazmat removal
• Low voltage: conducts low voltage electrical, security, and audio/visual repair
• Electrical
• Locksmith/Doors & Hardware
• Mechanic/Welding
• HVAC
• Food Service Equipment/Refrigeration
• Indoor Air Quality
• Plumbing
• Snow Removal
• General Custodial: cleaning, basic building maintenance/repair
• Gym floor refinishing

“I can’t brag on my team enough,” said Kyle Spotich, Maintenance and Operations Director. “The talent and care they bring to the table is amazing.”

As with most projects around the district, the installation of a new heating system at Whitney Elementary School reflected the collaboration that happens daily in the Maintenance and Operations Department. The noise from the school’s gym fan made it hard to hold activities in the space, and one of the gas heaters failed. By installing a boiler system, HVAC staff members Joel Geary, Tyler Thrush, and Van Henderson were able to decrease the noise and increase the heater efficiency, with the engineering and installation done in-house. With the 20+ years of experience between the three of them, the HVAC team used their knowledge to find creative solutions. Plumber Alex Ochoa and electrician Justin Morford also lent their expertise to the project, along with staff from carpentry.

“I believe that we are instrumental in helping to provide a clean, warm environment for the kids to learn in,” Joel Geary said. “In our department, we get the opportunity to find ways to provide not only cost savings by being able to do some projects in-house, but energy savings as well, and that’s money that can go to providing an education for the kids.”

Some other Maintenance & Operations highlights from the past year include:

Eisenhower High School Track & Field Improvements - Our grounds crew excavated and installed a retaining wall and bleachers for track and field events ensuring they are wheelchair accessible. Thank you, grounds crew!

 

Lighting Retrofit and Transportation - Our electrical team replaced outdated metal halide lights in the wash bay with state-of-the-art LED lighting. This upgrade saves power and increases the safety of our bus drivers. Thank you, electrical team!

Thank you to our entire Maintenance & Operations team for all you do!