Sweetwater facility director urges committee to improve local contractor availability

In a recent meeting of the Select Committee on School Facilities, held on May 30, 2025, in Wyoming, critical discussions unfolded regarding the challenges faced by school districts in maintaining and upgrading their facilities. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as facility directors shared their experiences and concerns about the current state of school infrastructure.

One prominent voice was that of a facility director from Sweetwater County, who painted a vivid picture of the difficulties in securing reliable contractors for essential services. "Everybody's leaving," he lamented, highlighting a trend where only a handful of companies remain capable of providing necessary resources. This scarcity forces districts to seek bids from distant cities, complicating maintenance and repair efforts. The director urged the committee to consider proactive measures to streamline the bidding process, allowing schools to establish long-term relationships with service providers rather than scrambling for help when emergencies arise.

Senator Rothfuss engaged with the director, probing into the feasibility of creating a more efficient bidding system. The conversation revealed a shared understanding of the complexities involved, particularly with specialized equipment like boilers and HVAC systems, which often require specific regional expertise. The director acknowledged the rising costs of materials, noting a 7% annual increase, which adds another layer of urgency to the need for a more strategic approach to facility management.

As the discussion progressed, Dave Bartlett from Campbell County School District stepped forward, sharing his two decades of experience in facility work. He emphasized the importance of planned work orders and the need for enhancements in school facilities, particularly in areas like swimming pools, which are integral to the curriculum but often underfunded. He pointed out that only a few pools in the state can accommodate large events, stressing the need for investment in these common elements to support student activities and community events.

Bartlett also highlighted the benefits of synthetic turf fields, which allow for significantly more events compared to traditional grass fields. This shift not only enhances student access to sports but also maximizes the use of school facilities throughout the year.

The meeting underscored a pressing need for collaboration between school districts and contractors, as well as a reevaluation of funding models to support necessary enhancements. As the committee continues its work, the voices of facility directors like those from Sweetwater and Campbell Counties will be crucial in shaping the future of Wyoming's school infrastructure. The discussions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that schools can provide safe, functional, and enriching environments for students across the state.