Board debates campus maintenance, custodial coverage and vehicle use as district readies bond priorities

Board members devoted extended discussion to campus maintenance, groundskeeping, custodial staffing models and district vehicle use, saying appearance and safety are priorities to address alongside any proposed capital projects.

Several board members described uneven campus conditions—overgrown grass, damaged outdoor equipment, gym floors and windows in need of repair—and urged staff to research low-cost ways other districts maintain campuses. One suggested reallocating certain janitorial/maintenance stipends to on-site staff or coaches to perform outside maintenance (pressure washing, field upkeep) during the summer, with the work documented as community service where student volunteers are appropriate. Staff was asked to contact other parishes that use similar approaches and return with an implementation proposal.

Board members also raised staffing and scheduling practices: the district's 12-month maintenance staff often work a four-day summer schedule that some members said prevents timely completion of summer projects; members asked staff to propose schedules and supervisory controls to ensure coverage for summer work and critical projects. Supervisory oversight of scheduled vacation and monitoring of multiple simultaneous absences were raised as operational issues that need clearer policy.

District vehicle use and after-hours parking drew specific concern. A board member reported seeing a district vehicle parked at a casino late at night and argued that vehicles should be parked on district property at night and only used off-hours for emergencies; the board asked that the superintendent address the matter and consider a policy requiring employees to park vehicles at district facilities overnight.

Other maintenance topics the board raised included:

- Security improvements and fencing at multiple campuses; members said secure entry and perimeter fencing are districtwide priorities and asked staff to include security in the capital plan. - Clarification of maintenance budget allocations by square footage: staff reported receiving updated square-footage records from Brown & Brown insurance to rebalance maintenance allocations across schools. - Use of project managers for bond work: board members discussed whether to hire an outside project manager or use internal staff (one suggested hiring a dedicated project manager at an estimated lower cost than the prior approach of multiple architects and consultants).

Staff was asked to research and return with options, including cost estimates and recommended staffing models, so the board can weigh in before final capital projects are selected and funds are committed.

Ending

Board members directed staff to report back with specific proposals on maintenance staffing, vehicle policy, summer scheduling for maintenance crews, and recommended security upgrades to be incorporated into the capital improvement planning and budgeting process.