John Coffey appointed interim buildings and grounds director amidst facility improvements

The Beverly Public Schools Finance and Facilities Committee met on April 30, 2025, to discuss several key topics, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and updates on building and grounds operations.

The meeting began with a motion to approve the minutes from the March 26 meeting, which passed unanimously. Following this, John Coffey, the interim director of facilities, provided a live report on the current state of the district's buildings and grounds. Coffey, who has stepped into the role after the departure of former director Bob Ciroli, highlighted recent maintenance activities, including HVAC filter replacements and repairs to stadium facilities.

A significant focus of the discussion was the recent upgrade to LED lighting across seven schools, which is expected to yield energy savings. Coffey noted that the investment was made using existing solar credits, meaning it did not impact the district's budget. The anticipated payback period for this investment is approximately four years, with expected savings ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per school.

Looking ahead, Coffey outlined plans for summer projects, including a custodial program that engages students and staff in cleaning and maintenance tasks. This initiative not only supports the custodial staff during the summer months but also serves as a potential recruitment pipeline for future employment in the facilities department.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to maintaining its facilities efficiently while also exploring sustainable energy solutions. The committee's proactive approach aims to enhance the learning environment for students while managing costs effectively.