Case Studies K-12 Education

Joshua Ekstrom understands facilities in a way that cannot be taught in a classroom or learned from a distance. His leadership is rooted in lived experience, shaped by years spent in the day-to-day realities of school operations, and refined through a steady commitment to doing the work the right way. At Valley Park School District, […]

Jeff Unger did not expect his facilities career to unfold across shifting organizational landscapes, growing regional footprints, and buildings that range from modern expansions to structures more than a century old. Yet that is the scope of his work today as senior director of facilities for River Crossing YMCA, the association created from a series […]

From its beginning in 2007 with just 87 fifth and sixth-graders, Foundation Academies in Trenton, New Jersey, has grown into one of the state’s most successful charter organizations. Today, more than 1,100 K-12 scholars learn across three schools on two campuses, supported by a close-knit staff committed to academic excellence and character-driven education. But the school’s growth […]

For more than four decades, Jon Papps has lived and breathed construction. From his early days managing large commercial and industrial projects to his current role as senior project manager at LS3P Associates, Papps has navigated nearly every corner of the built environment. His career path reflects a rare blend of hands-on construction management, deep […]

As director of facilities and construction at The Winsor School, John Crompton understands that true excellence in education requires more than brilliant faculty and rigorous academics—it demands an environment that supports, sustains, and inspires. For more than a decade, Crompton has helped shape that environment across Winsor’s Boston campus, elevating the school’s physical infrastructure while […]

James Martin, the chief operations officer for Dorchester School District 4 in Dorchester, isn’t just managing facilities—he’s shaping the future of education for this tight-knit South Carolina community. With over three decades of experience in school facilities and operations, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep-rooted passion for education, safety, and innovation. Since […]

The person managing the facilities of a modern school district in the U.S. is tasked with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the maintenance and operation of numerous school buildings and facilities. This role has unique challenges, including managing aging infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, optimizing energy efficiency and budgeting for maintenance and facility upgrades.   […]

In the face of rapid population growth, school districts nationwide feel the mounting pressure to provide adequate infrastructure for the ever-increasing number of students. Jimmy Jones is meeting this challenge as director of construction and development for the Georgetown Independent School District in Texas. “My team and I are in a crucial position responsible for […]

For 15 years, John LaBare has directed facilities and operations for Uniondale Union Free School District, leading a team of more than 100 people responsible for “everything from the curb in.” That’s included sidewalks outside schools and hallways inside them, as well as playgrounds, heating and cooling systems, snow removal and plumbing. The work LaBare […]

How many facilities directors are greeted by students with a hug and kind words? Jerry Wood can’t say but he knows he’s one of the lucky few. Of course, Wood, who directs facilities for the Vail Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona, also taught these students and served as their principal. In December 2017, Wood, […]