Rockwood facilities leaders outline scale of district grounds, staffing shortages and Prop 3 funding

Cindy Boyas and Eric (last name not specified in the transcript) presented the facilities maintenance and construction program update to the Rockwood Board of Education, describing the scale, funding and operational challenges of district facilities.

Presenters said the district spans about 150 square miles, covers multiple municipalities and fire districts, and includes roughly 37 buildings and 3.8 million square feet of indoor space. They said the facilities function accounts for about 18% of the district’s total budget, and described a total facilities budget of about $68 million—roughly $35 million in operating costs and $33 million in capital expenditures—with approximately $31 million identified as Prop 3 revenue.

Staffing pressures were a prominent focus: presenters cited an authorized facilities staff complement of 281 positions when fully staffed and described current shortages that include roughly 80 custodial openings (figures discussed during Q&A), and said grounds and custodial staff worked during recent winter storms to keep schools open. The facilities team said they are updating operating procedures, seeking capital-planning software to replace spreadsheet-based processes, and aiming to develop KPIs and improved recruitment and retention strategies.

Board members thanked facilities staff for storm-response work, asked for regular KPI updates, and suggested community recruitment measures (word-of-mouth, targeted outreach at local businesses) to fill hard-to-staff roles such as custodians and bus drivers. The board also asked for more detail on how Prop 3 resources are being expended; presenters said Prop 3 revenues are budgeted to be fully expended each year and that money helps the district address deferred maintenance proactively.

Provenance: presentation and Q&A with Cindy Boyas and Eric (SEG 1143–SEG 1490 and SEG 1491–SEG 1566).