School Facilities Maintenance Planning in the Face of Challenges

What happens when school buildings outlive their lifespan — and budget concerns constrain the ability to fix them? 

In this episode of Facility Talk, we sit down with Chris Sefcheck and Jeff McVey, Superintendent and Director of Administrative Services at New Kensington-Arnold School District to talk breakdowns, disruptions, and day-to-day emergencies their maintenance staff faces while trying to uphold school safety, health standards, and a quality learning environment.

The New Kensington-Arnold school team members reveal how aging HVAC systems, outdated electrical systems, and limited funding force their maintenance department into a constant balancing act — juggling emergency repairs, routine maintenance, and long-overdue upgrades without compromising student learning or school safety. They also discuss how lack of a robust maintenance plan and asset management tools drives up operating costs and shortens the lifespan of critical infrastructure like boilers, roofs, and air conditioning systems.

Topics Covered: 

-Real-world impact of neglecting preventive maintenance tasks

-The role of facilities management software and effective maintenance practices

-Managing work orders, staff shortages, and maintenance activities

-The connection between school facilities, school administrators, and student achievement

-Successful initiatives in sports and learning space upgrades

-Strategies to reduce maintenance costs and improve energy-efficient infrastructure

Learn how this team is rethinking maintenance schedules, deploying smarter maintenance practices, and rallying for state-level support — all while facing the tough realities of underfunded public schools. Whether you’re a school administrator, facilities manager, or advocate for better schools, we’ll cover everything you need to know about school maintenance. 

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Chapters/Timestamps

0:00 - 1:23 | Introducing the New Kensington-Arnold School Administrators

1:24 - 5:02 | Challenges in School Facilities Management

5:03 - 7:55 | Impact of School Facilities on Student Attendance

7:56 - 9:14 | Athletics and School Spirit

9:15 - 11:36 | Future Goals and Funding Advocacy

11:37 - 14:12 | Academic Performance and Improvement Strategies

14:13 - 15:49 | Building Relationships With Contractors and Maintenance Staff

15:50 - 17:42 | Vision for Future School Facilities