A recent survey conducted by Incident IQ has unveiled critical insights into the state of K-12 facilities management, revealing the pressing challenges that facilities managers expect to face in the upcoming school year. The 2024-2025 K-12 Facilities Survey highlights key concerns such as budget constraints, aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and maintenance delays.
As the average age of school buildings in the U.S. hovers around 50 years, facilities managers are grappling with the reality that many schools require significant repairs and renovations. The 2021 State of Schools report indicated a staggering $85 billion funding gap necessary for adequate maintenance of school facilities and equipment. Without long-term planning and the necessary financial resources, these infrastructural challenges will likely persist.
Top Concerns: Budget and Infrastructure
The survey revealed that budget constraints and aging infrastructure are the top concerns for facilities managers. Many reported anticipating delays in maintenance and repairs, which can exacerbate existing issues and lead to increased costs. The survey noted that staffing shortages are also a significant hurdle, with technicians retiring faster than they can be replaced, hindering the ability of schools to maintain safe and reliable environments for students and staff.
Goals for the Upcoming Year: Efficiency and Cost Reduction
In response to these challenges, facilities managers ranked improving efficiency as their primary goal, followed closely by decreasing maintenance costs. The survey found that while many expect their budgets to remain stable, inflation could limit the effectiveness of these funds, amplifying the challenges of maintaining school facilities.
Communication Gaps with Leadership
The survey also assessed the level of support and communication between facilities managers and school leadership. Many respondents indicated that school and district leadership only somewhat understand their work and challenges, which can make it difficult to secure necessary funding and resources. Improved transparency regarding the workload and needs of the facilities management department is essential for fostering better communication and understanding with school leaders.
Key Metrics for Facilities Management
Facilities managers identified several critical metrics to track, including maintenance costs as a percentage of the operating budget, the number of maintenance requests, and energy consumption. These metrics are vital for understanding operational effectiveness and making informed decisions regarding resource allocation.
Leveraging Technology to Address Challenges
One of the key takeaways from the survey is the potential for technology to support facilities management efforts. However, only 39% of respondents reported currently using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Such systems can enhance communication, streamline work orders, and provide valuable data that can justify resource needs to school leadership.
The full report, titled “2024-2025 K-12 Facilities Survey Whitepaper,” offers a deeper dive into these findings, along with actionable strategies for overcoming the challenges identified. This resource is crucial for facilities managers aiming to improve their operations and ensure safe, efficient educational environments.
For more insights and to access the full report, visit Incident IQ’s website.
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