Investing in Facilities Is Investing in Students: A Superintendent’s Perspective

As a former Missouri superintendent, I learned that some of the most consequential decisions we make are about the buildings where learning happens every day.

School facilities shape student experiences, influence staff morale, and affect community confidence. Yet when budgets tighten, facilities are often the first area deferred and the last discussed. Over time, I came to see that investing thoughtfully in facilities supports student outcomes.

Partnerships That Matter: Why Relationships Drive Better Facility Decisions

Successful facility initiatives aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re about trust, communication, and shared responsibility.

No facilities effort succeeds without strong relationships—among superintendents, school boards, maintenance teams, and the broader community. The people closest to the buildings—custodians, maintenance directors, principals—often know what’s failing long before it shows up in a budget report.

When those voices are part of the conversation, districts can plan proactively instead of reacting to emergencies. Transparent discussions about risks, costs, and timelines create credibility. And when systems do fail, stakeholders are far more understanding when they know leadership has been open and proactive all along.

The Cost of Deferred Maintenance

Every superintendent has faced deferred maintenance. When instructional priorities compete for limited dollars, facility needs are often pushed to “next year.” But deferral has consequences:

• A small roof leak becomes structural damage
• An outdated control system turns into an HVAC failure
• A neglected boiler becomes an emergency replacement

Industry research consistently shows that each dollar deferred can turn into four or five dollars in future capital costs.

Beyond finances, deferred maintenance affects learning conditions. Students struggle to focus in rooms that are too hot, too cold, or poorly ventilated. Staff morale suffers when buildings feel unreliable or outdated.

Hidden Costs: Indoor Air Quality and Aging HVAC Systems

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most overlooked factors in student and staff well-being. Many districts don’t fully realize how much outdated HVAC systems cost—both operationally and instructionally.

Poor air circulation contributes to absenteeism and discomfort. Aging systems consume excess energy while delivering inconsistent performance. Issues like clogged filters, failing dampers, or outdated controls often go unnoticed until a major failure occurs.

These hidden costs quietly drain operating budgets and influence public perception. Families and staff notice when classrooms feel stuffy, inconsistent, or uncomfortable—even if the root cause isn’t immediately visible.

Rising Energy Costs and Growing Budget Pressure

Utilities are among the largest non-personnel expenses for school districts, and those costs continue to rise. When buildings rely on systems installed decades ago, inefficiencies multiply:

• Boilers firing when buildings are unoccupied
• Lighting operating unnecessarily
• Ventilation running at full capacity regardless of use

As energy prices increase, those inefficiencies become more visible in the budget. Addressing energy use isn’t a luxury—it’s a fiscal strategy. Every dollar saved on utilities is a dollar that can be redirected to classrooms, staffing, or student programs.

Sharpening the Saw: Using Facility Condition Assessments for Smarter Planning

One of the most valuable steps a district can take is completing a comprehensive facility condition assessment (FCA).

Many qualified providers offer these assessments at little or no cost, giving districts a clear, data-driven view of building conditions. A high-quality FCA should:

• Identify system needs and remaining life expectancy
• Compare building performance to peer districts
• Prioritize projects based on safety, urgency, and educational impact
• Align facility needs with district goals and budget realities
• Support transparent communication with boards and communities

For superintendents and school business officials, FCAs remove guesswork. Instead of reacting to failures, districts gain a roadmap—what needs attention now, what can wait, and where investments will have the greatest impact.

Community Perception: What Your Buildings Communicate

Facilities tell a story about a district. Even when academic performance is strong, aging or poorly maintained buildings can erode public confidence.

During bond discussions, I found that communities are far more supportive when they see responsible stewardship of existing assets. Transparency matters—sharing facility assessments, explaining priorities, and offering building tours build trust.

Parents also notice the details: clean air, comfortable classrooms, reliable systems, and modernized spaces. These factors increasingly influence enrollment decisions, particularly in competitive or open-enrollment environments.

Proactive Leadership Makes the Difference

Facilities work may not be glamorous, but it is foundational to student success. By:

• Investing in relationships
• Using facility condition assessments
• Addressing deferred maintenance
• Modernizing HVAC and energy systems
• Improve comfort and safety
• Reduce long-term operating costs
• Protect instructional funding
• Extend the life of district assets
• Strengthen community trust

Our buildings communicate our values. When we care for them thoughtfully and strategically, we demonstrate our commitment to students, staff, and the communities we serve.

Learning from Experience

As district leaders, we’re not expected to have all the answers—but we are expected to ask the right questions. Taking time to better understand the condition of your facilities, the long-term risks of inaction, and the tools available to address them can help ensure today’s decisions support students well into the future.

Thoughtful facilities planning isn’t about selling a solution. It’s about stewardship, sustainability, and creating learning environments where students and staff can thrive.