Facilities
Managing over 4 million square feet and 900 acres across 38 sites, the Facilities Department ensures all district environments are safe, clean, and functional. Staff oversee ongoing maintenance, environmental safety repairs, and major renovations, while also managing essential service contracts like snow and refuse removal.
Operationally, each school is led by a building chief and supported by a dedicated team of custodians, groundskeepers, and maintenance workers. Together, they execute long-term facility plans and handle daily upkeep to provide high-quality learning spaces for students and the community.
Contact
Sam Firpo
651-423-7702
sam.firpo@district196.org
Environmental Safety Program
The Environmental Safety Program is authorized by Minnesota state statute permitting school districts levy authority to finance health, safety and environmental management expenditures in order for the district to be in compliance with state law and rules of the departments of health, labor and industry, public safety and the pollution control agency.
The Facilities and Grounds Department maintains a five-year plan for all components of its Environmental Safety Program. This plan is submitted to the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning for review and approval. All projects are planned and designed to be consistent with the primary functions and goals of the district.
Objectives
- Compliance with federal, state and local regulatory requirements;
- Reduce/eliminate immediate and potential risks or hazards;
- Reduce accidents and injuries;
- Promote environmentally healthy and safe work practices, and
- Foster clear communication of health and safety information throughout the district.
The effectiveness of District 196’s Environmental Safety Program will be measured and improved by conducting periodic worksite inspections. Facilities and grounds staff will work in collaboration with building staff, other district department staff and regulatory agencies to identify potential building hazards. Fire safety, OSHA compliance and Workplace Accident Reduction are several examples of programs that require periodic worksite inspections.