Operations Division

The Operations Division oversees a wide variety of work to maintain and improve the 326 buildings that support the students and staff in our School District.

Led by Chief Operating Officer, Oz Hill, the Operations team includes the Offices of Capital Programs, Environmental, Facilities & Maintenance, Food Services, and Transportation.

The collective work of these teams helps to ensure safe and healthy environments for our students, and contributes to the educational process, by providing healthy meals daily and coordinating the safe and efficient travel of students to and from school every day.

Environmental Advisory Council Visits Prepared Swing Spaces at South High

The Office of Environmental Management and Services hosted the quarterly meeting of the Environmental Advisory Council on Monday, May 6, at South Philadelphia High School. The focus of this field trip was the District’s “swing space” plan – and South High plays an important role in the District’s ability to maintain in-person learning when a…

Planting Seeds for a Green Future

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Resilient Communities Stormwater Initiative (RSCI), and the School District of Philadelphia joined forces to advocate for GSI installations in the following Southwest Philadelphia schoolyards: Benjamin B. Comegys Elementary School S. Weir Mitchell School Avery D. Harrington School TNC and RCSI work lies at the “intersection between climate, social, and environmental justice with a…

Welcome Meka Perez: A Visionary in Construction and Development

We are thrilled to highlight Meka Perez, a highly respected professional with over 20 years of expertise in construction management and development. Meka has a remarkable track record in developing and managing design projects, particularly within educational platforms. Her work ensures state safety compliance and alignment, seamlessly integrating design with construction projects. As a thought…

Welcome Patrick Osei: A Transformative Leader in Facilities Planning and Environmental Innovation

We are excited to highlight Patrick Osei, a dedicated professional with extensive expertise in capital improvement projects, data governance, and strategic planning. As the Director of Facilities Planning and Innovation at the School District of Philadelphia, Patrick leads the development of the Facility Master Plan, ensuring the district’s infrastructure meets the needs of its students…

Spring Break Work Priorities

During spring break, our dedicated Facilities team worked diligently to enhance our buildings in preparation for the return of our students and school communities. Key projects included HVAC maintenance, LED light conversions, detailed cleaning, and outside grounds maintenance. These efforts ensure we’re ready for the seasonal changeover and provide extra cleanliness to carry us through…

Congratulations Vernon and Tom!

We are excited to share some important updates regarding our team. Congratulations to Vernon Palmer on his new role as Interim Director of Special Projects. We are grateful that Vernon will continue to contribute his expertise within the Operations department. Additionally, Thomas Sharer will be transitioning from FAM to Interim Senior Regional Manager for the…