BY SARAH HOFIUS HALL, STAFF WRITER
The Scranton School District seeks a director of facilities, grounds and operations who can develop a comprehensive building maintenance plan and ensure environmental compliance.
Since last summer, Paul Dougherty, then the principal of West Scranton Intermediate School, helped the district oversee maintenance projects. In the fall, the board named him director of secondary education/technology/operations, partially to save money by not filling all the positions. The district has not had a full-time operations director for nearly a year, since the resignation of Jeff Brazil in March.
The recovery plan, approved by the school board in August, calls for the district to retain an experienced, qualified facilities director. The successful applicant must oversee asbestos remediation across the district.
“This is a vital position at this time,” said Katie Gilmartin, school board president.
While Dougherty is helping manage the ongoing environmental problems, the district realizes someone must be devoted to the position full-time.
Functions of the posted position include providing oversight of buildings, overseeing custodial services and waste management, providing a systemic review of documentation and compliance and reporting financial performance.
The job listing posted on the district’s website does not include a salary. Brazil made $91,219 a year in the position, and Dougherty earns an annual salary of $116,150 for the combined three positions.
Documents show prior administrations knew about the asbestos and lead-tainted water issues, but did not address them. The posting stresses the need for open communication and an “attitude of collaboration.” Applicants should have a minimum of five years’ experience in operations and/or facilities management and a master’s degree in leadership.