Page 11 - The EDGE Spring 2022

attention on books and curriculum rather Throughout the academic year, school-based
than on the physical state of the schoolhouse. practitioners find ways to rally their students
When forced to make budget cuts, they may around their school, showing them why they
look to facility ty-related expenses rather than should be proud of the school and what it

classroom programs and services. stands for. We should be doing the same thing
at the district level.

That's understandable. But we must remind
ourselves and our stakeholders that a school Every member of the district staff plays an

environment that is well-designed, well- important part in promoting high performance
maintained, and secure promotes a sense of facilities, including those in finance,

wellbeing, a sense of caring, and an atmosphere human resources, information management,
of excitement and discovery. A safe, secure, transportation, food services, building and
attractive, "healthy" learning environment is grounds, and professional development. Let's
one of the keys to a high-performance education rally our staff members around the district's
institution. Research shows a clear link facilities and make sure they recognize their
between the environmental quality of schools role in making the district schools something
and educational performance. Therefore, they can all be proud of.

the successful management of a school
environment is an investment in education. During these tough times, when there is a
The academic performance of students today tendency to neglect this very important area
helps determine their success and the success of our operations, we should do everything we

of our society in the future. can to keep the funding for maintenance and
operations intact. We can always find ways to
As we all know, creating and maintaining a fine tune and streamline our facility and ground
safe, healthy, vibrant school environment is not operations as long as we do not lose sight of its
easy. It takes time, extensive research, careful positive impact to the overall environment we
planning, smart budgeting, quality construction, work in every day.

preventive maintenance, " green" practices,
and continual evaluation. It definitely takes I also want to thank Gary Barkman, Bill Munch
teamwork. Everyone in the district and in the and Linda Virgil, the professional development
community must feel a sense of ownership. committee, the speakers, and staff for the
They must all share a commitment to ensuring excellent job they did in putting together an
the district's schools are more than brick outstanding Vendor/Buyer Conference and
and mortar – they are places of learning and Audit Compliance Conference.

discovery.

" A safe, secure, attractive, 'healthy"
learning environment is one of

the keys to a high-performance
education institution."

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