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…
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…
On March 5th, Vare-Washington hosted a special event to recognize two outstanding team members, Rich Nedorost and Lloyd Miller. Both were presented with certificates of appreciation for their exemplary performance and dedication. The certificates highlighted their exceptional customer service and professionalism during a floor replacement project at Vare-Washington. The text of the certificate read: “This…
John Mulligan, the Division’s Fire Safety Specialist, conducts on-site technical inspections of school facilities and fire safety systems. Throughout the school year, he is responsible for inspecting fire alarm systems, fire fighting equipment and building structures for potential fire hazards. He investigates fire-stricken facilities to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Additionally, John…
When asbestos repair work forced the temporary shutdown of Building 21, the Maintenance team was called into action to prepare a suitable swing space for some 400 students and staff at Strawberry Mansion High School. Over the span of two days in early March, two contract service vendors and 40 tradespeople spent 543 hours preparing…
The P.M. Crew assists with various tasks in all school district facilities. They respond to calls at all times of the day or night, on weekdays, weekends, and holidays, for issues that may affect the opening of schools and offices. The P.M. Crew, along with the warehouse team, supported Saul’s Agricultural program by moving equipment/flowers,…
Unfortunately, on March 8th, a bullet from a shooting in the neighborhood pierced the main office window at Heston Elementary School. Facility Area Manager Ed Davis responded along with Maintenance Glaziers John Petrucci and Foreman Chris Bartella to assess the situation and repair the window. In a separate incident, on March 14th, bullets from gunshots…
Last Thursday, seven people were injured in a shooting near James G. Blaine Elementary School. District staff members were informed of the incident in the middle of the monthly Board of Education meeting. While the news of more senseless violence was hard to face, two members of the Operations Emergency Response Team led by one…
The Offices of Facilities and Maintenance, in collaboration with the Office of Capital Programs and Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry (TUKSOD), created a fully functional dental clinic at William D. Kelley with four rooms and a sterilization room. This new program differs from the current contracted dental programs offered at most of the schools…
On November 30, 2022, the Council of the City of Philadelphia honored Jose Novoa for his unwavering commitment to public education, decades of support for the children and families of our city, and forty years of service with the School District of Philadelphia. The Council thanked Jose for his loyal and dedicated service to quality…