News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
How thoughtful maintenance planning makes for smoother school days
School buildings can be stoic. Across nearly 125 active DC Public Schools buildings, the challenge is knowing what needs attention and what should come first. We sat down with Stephen Kitterman, a senior project manager at Brailsford & Dunlavey, to talk about planning repairs, maintaining building systems and keeping schools ready for students and staff.
Brailsford & Dunlavey: Stephen, tell us about yourself. How did you find your way to B&D?
Stephen Kitterman: I’m a structural engineer by training. After years in design and construction, I moved into program and construction management. I’d already worked with B&D as a joint venture partner, so I knew the team. When the firm approached me in 2019, joining felt like a natural fit.
B&D: What does it take to manage repairs and smaller projects across a school district?
SK: It takes a lot of planning, investigation and coordination. DC Public Schools has nearly 125 active buildings totaling almost 15 million square feet, many of them historic and at different stages of their lifecycle. Needs usually exceed available funding, so we identify the most critical work, respond to emergencies and carry unfunded projects into future budget cycles.
B&D: What tends to be the most challenging part of that work?
SK: Prioritizing needs across such a large portfolio. I often say school buildings can be stoic. They don’t always show you what’s wrong. We visit schools, listen to the people who work in them and look beyond the obvious issues to catch needs that might otherwise go unnoticed.
B&D: When districts plan repairs and smaller projects, what do they tend to overlook?
SK: The effect routine maintenance has on a building system’s lifespan, especially with HVAC and other mechanical equipment. Deferred maintenance, poor water treatment or improper operation can shorten equipment’s life and lead to costly failures. Preventive maintenance and money set aside for unexpected repairs can help avoid that.
B&D: What’s one piece of advice you’d give a client taking on this kind of work?
SK: Advocate for adequate funding, and choose equipment and materials that are durable and easy to maintain. Spending a little more upfront can mean fewer breakdowns, less disruption and lower costs over time. Avoiding the Friday afternoon emergency call is often a sign you made the right choice.
