Facility/maintenance managers from a dozen Kentucky districts pool their experiences to help each other; Scott Co. official: coalition can have "powerful impact" for students
News-Graphic, Georgetown, June 15, 2017
School districts collaborate to ensure student safety and support learning
By Renee Holmes
Dwayne Ellison serves at Maintenance Director of Scott County Schools. On a daily basis, Ellison and his team manage facility issues for one of the largest school districts in the state. A former principal, Ellison is accustomed to collaborating with others for continuous improvement. His work in the maintenance department is no exception.
This year Ellison convened regular meetings of directors and facility managers throughout Kentucky. They gather on a quarterly basis visiting different districts each time. This partnership benefits schools and districts as they discuss best practices to ensure student safety and support learning.
“I am a firm believer in the power of synergy and professional learning communities,” stated Dan Razor, Boone County Director of Facility Management. “It is great to collaborate with colleagues that have the same student-centered focus.”
Agenda items include Kentucky Department of Education policies and procedures, access controls, staffing, safe schools, preventative maintenance, work order systems and purchasing. The meetings allow district leaders to gather information and seek feedback regarding shared concerns.
“I appreciate everyone sharing and getting involved,” Ellison said. “This collaboration has a powerful impact on the education of our students.”
Districts were initially invited to participate because their size and student population were similar to Scott County. As the initiative has grown, smaller surrounding districts have offered perspective on common issues.
In addition to Scott County, represented districts include: Boone, Bullitt, Clark, Daviess, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Marion, Nelson, Shelby, Spencer and Warren counties. The group met three
times this year and will meet again at the annual Kentucky School Plant Managers Association conference in the fall.