UNTRAINED FACILITY MANAGERS CAN DEPRIVE STUDENTS OF THE REQUIRED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
Jules Williams Blogpost.com
Date: 8/27/2003.
1. Lack
of Expertise: One of the primary complications that may arise from promoting untrained
personnel to facilities directors and Managers is the lack of expertise in
specialized areas. Untrained personnel are typically responsible for cleaning
and maintenance tasks, which may not equip them with the necessary knowledge
and skills to handle complex systems such as electrical, air-conditioning, and
plumbing trades. This could lead to inadequate maintenance, inefficient energy
management, and potential safety hazards.
2.
Inadequate Training: Promoting untrained
personnel to facilities directors and Managers without providing adequate
training can further exacerbate the lack of expertise. Without proper training
on building automation systems, energy management techniques, and sciences
related to indoor air quality, untrained personnel may struggle to effectively
manage billion-dollar facilities. This could result in increased energy
consumption, higher maintenance costs, and compromised safety standards.
3.
Limited Resources: Another challenge that
may arise from promoting untrained personnel to facilities directors is the
limited availability of resources. Large public-funded school districts often
have tight budgets, making it difficult to allocate sufficient funds for
necessary upgrades, repairs, and training programs. Consequently, facilities
directors and Managers may face constraints in maintaining and upgrading
building systems, leading to reduced energy efficiency and compromised
functionality.
4.
Complex Systems: Modern school facilities
encompass a wide range of complex systems, including elevators, sprinkler
systems, and sophisticated building automation systems. These systems require
specialized knowledge to operate and maintain effectively. Promoting untrained
personnel to facilities directors and Managers without the necessary expertise
may result in inadequate system management, potential breakdowns, and
compromised safety measures.
5.
Compliance with Regulations: Public-funded school districts must comply with numerous regulations and standards
related to energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and safety. Facilities
directors and Managers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these
regulations. However, promoting untrained personnel without proper training and
expertise may lead to unintentional violations, potentially resulting in legal
consequences and reputational damage.
Conclusion: While promoting untrained personnel to
facilities directors in large public-funded school districts may seem like a
cost-effective solution, it can lead to several complications. These include a
lack of expertise, inadequate training, limited resources, complex systems, and
compliance issues. To mitigate these challenges, it is essential for school
districts to invest in comprehensive training programs, allocate sufficient
resources, and consider hiring professionals with the necessary qualifications
and experience. By doing so, school districts can ensure efficient energy
management, optimal functionality of building systems, and a safe and healthy
learning environment for students and staff.