Maintenance Shops | Facility Management

Grounds

The Denver Public Schools Grounds Department places an immense deal of pride in being tasked with maintaining the facilities, landscapes, and sites that accompany the 150+ historic, mid-century, and innovative institutions that house the DPS community. Ranging from the living and breathing entities to the hardscapes which constitute a large portion of Denver’s urban ecosystem,the Grounds Department’s scope of responsibility includes, but is not limited to the following aspects: Irrigation, Turf Maintenance, Athletic Fields (natural and synthetic), Landscaping, Arboreal, Asphalt/Concrete, Storm Sewer Systems (in conjunction with the Plumbing Department), Fencing, Playground Equipment and Safety Surfacing, Snow and Ice removal, Site Furnishings, Running Tracks, and Tennis Courts. As stewards of second largest amount of land in the City and County of Denver, it is our goal to maintain and safe and aesthetically pleasing environment to the entire DPS community and the citizens of Denver.

Contacts:

Zachary Lovato – Sr. Supervisor

Mark Clay – Grounds Supervisor

Doug Wilson – Crew Chief
Trees, Mowing, Weed Control, Athletics

Toan Ngo – Crew Chief
Playgrounds, Volunteer Days, Fencing, Paving, Trash Disposal

Weed Control and Fertilization Program FAQ

DPS Grounds Weed Control Program

As part of our annual turf maintenance plan to keep natural play fields and lawns healthy at our schools, we have scheduled fertilizer and weed control product application. Application is performed by TruGreen.

All applications will be performed after 6:00pm or on weekends. If your school/site has special circumstances that are in conflict with the scheduled date/time, you must contact the DPS Grounds Department at 720-423-4083 or the Service Coordination Center at 720-423-4020 to reschedule.

All product applications are judiciously performed in accordance with Federal, State, and Local regulations by licensed technicians who are trained in proper application of the products and equipment they are using for application and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. The IPM program is a combination of inspection, targeted weed control, and education on better cultural practices to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Q: Why are we applying Pesticides?

A: Herbicides are applied on lawns for broadleaf weed control. Herbicides are classified under the broader category of Pesticides as defined by the EPA.

Q: What Pesticides are currently being used?

A: Tri-Power, Razor, and Turflon Ester.. Active ingredients in these products include Mecoprop-p, Dicamba 228-262, Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine, Triclopyr: 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid,butoxyethyl ester.

Q: Are the Pesticides Safe?

A: Although TruGreen does not manufacturer any products, they only use products that are properly registered with the EPA. Before registering a product the EPA conducts extensive studies to determine the potential for risk to fish, wildlife, and groundwater. The EPA will only register a product if they can “ensure that the pesticide, when used according to label directions, can be used with a reasonable certainty of no harm to human health and without posing unreasonable risk to the environment.”

Q: How are the Pesticides applied?

A: School administration is contacted prior to scheduled date of application. The pesticides are applied in a highly diluted system typically consisting of 92% water. The product is delivered in a large drop system which minimizes opportunity for contact with humans and pets as well as minimizing drift onto non-target areas. Wind speeds are checked before application as a precautionary measure. Standard procedure requires application after regular school hours and per EPA requirements, signage is required to be posted after application.

Q: What training has the tech who is applying the pesticides received?

A: TruGreen carefully trains their techs in the proper use of the products and equipment used to promote environmental safety. They utilize a system called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to work toward that goal. IPM is a combination of inspection, targeted weed control and education on better cultural practices to achieve a healthy and beautiful lawn.

Q: What are our organic weed control options?

A: Since approximately 1999, TruGreen has been contracted (through RPF process) with the District for weed control and fertilization. TruGreen is works with the industry manufacturers to find effective organic products to meet the needs of a greener lawn industry. DPS is seeking greener alternatives for broadleaf weed control also but we do not know of an “effective” solution as an alternative to the currently used pesticides.

Electrical

In an effort to support the whole child, your friendly DPS Electrical Department manages test and inspection contracts for life safety systems including Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler. Additionally, we also maintain and repair all existing building electrical circuitry, lighting systems, power and distribution, clock and bell components, and Fire Alarm/Fire Sprinkler system repairs. With a long history of excellence, we look forward to serving the district with the highest level of equity and accountability.

Contacts:

Mike Lakos- Manager

Bryan Herman- Supervisor

Dianna Chaffin- Crew Chief

HVAC

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

The Denver Public Schools HVAC Department is committed to deliver innovative, resourceful and timely service in the areas of Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, and Automated Direct Digital Controls. Our number one goal is to sustain the highest level of comfort to the students, and staff. HVAC is also accountable for safeguarding the assets we operate and maintain including maximizing their efficiency and sustainability to ensure the optimum life of those assets.

Contacts:

Gary Hofstetter- Manager

Keith Weston- Supervisor

Metal Works

The Metal Welding department consists of Millwrights and Sheet Metal Technicians, providing maintenance to metal associated requests, and other attached building components. Some assets the Metal Welding department maintains and repair are, lockers, gym equipment, bathroom partitions, roll up doors, bleachers, stage rigging and curtains.

Sheet Metal Work

The Sheet Metal Crew performs sheet metal work repairs to windows, lockers, restroom partitions and doors, and kitchen fixtures. They also manufacture and installs duct work, vent and flue pipe, gutters and cap flashing.

Millwright Work

The Metal Crew (the millwrights) duties include but are not limited to the manufacture, repair, and installation of the following:

Hand Rails	Cat walks	Roof Guards
Hall Gates	Window Guards	Back boards
Radiator Guards	Stage Rigging and Curtains	Bleachers
Gym Equipment	Auditorium Seating	Lunchroom Tables and Benches
Diving Boards	Wall Mats	Manufacture of Parts (that can no longer be purchased)
Serving Rails	Overhead Doors
Vinyl Window Shades	Access Ladders

Contacts:

Bill Gordon- Manager

Matt McGrady- Supervisor

Brent Christensen- Crew Chief

Plumbing

The Plumbing Department duties include maintenance, repair and installation of toilets, sinks, sewer lines, water mains, plumbing lines, water heaters, water fountains, and drain cleaning.

Services include:

Water Mains and Distribution	Domestic Hot and Cold Water Lines	Waste and Vent Drainage Piping
Storm Drains and Sewers	Plumbing Fixtures	Shower Valves
Hot Water Heaters	Gas Lines and Air Lines	Sand & Oil Interceptors
Backflow Preventers	Sewer Odor and Gas Leaks	Grease Traps and Clay Traps
Swimming Pools	Drain Cleaning	Acid Neutralizing Tanks

Contacts:

Joe Sherman- Manager

Tony Carey- Supervisor

Doug Norton- Crew Chief

Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sound approach to pest management. It relies on the coordinated use of pest and environmental information and the best available pest management methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazards to people and the environment.

Pest control in schools must protect both the health and safety of the children and staff, minimize pest damage to structures and personal property, and improve the quality of the educational environment by avoiding annoyance and disruption of work and learning caused by insects, rodents and other pests. To meet these goals, DPS has implemented an IPM program to control pests in schools.

Description of Services

The following information is the procedure to comply with the District’s and the Denver City Health Department’s expectation for timely extermination of all types of pests in the School environment:

Delivery Parameters: Baiting when appropriate, is initiated via a work order after a review of the conditions is conducted by District IPM personnel. IPM monitoring is an on-going activity and not limited to holiday or vacation periods. Baiting is limited to trained IPM personnel only.
Guidelines: Pesticide applications are scheduled only after consultation with faculty staff. No pesticide applications will be conducted while the facility is occupied. Facilities or areas of facilities, not adequately prepared, will not be sprayed. Unprepared facilities will be rescheduled for application at a later date. Only trained IPM personnel will apply pest control chemicals. All applications will be in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and local Health Department regulations related to the use of pesticides.
Resources: Two trained personnel will conduct all spraying and IPM related activities. Facility Managers and other school staff will be expected to assist in monitoring and other IPM related efforts in individual facilities.
Chemical Information: Only crack and crevice and limited area spraying will be allowed, no chemical fogging. No restricted use pesticides are allowed. Copies of MSDS sheets will be made available for review by facility staff upon request.
Program Constraints: Effectiveness of the program is in large part dependent upon the involvement and enforcement of an effective Integrated Pest Management Program by the principal, teachers, kitchen and custodial staff.

Contacts:

John Gleason- Manager

Jay Befus- Crew Chief

Roger Reyes- IPM Coordinator

Elijah Reyes- Pest Control Technician

Preventive Maintenance

Preventative Maintenance

The Preventive Maintenance Department performs maintenance on mechanical equipment and other items in the Schools that require schedule maintenance annually. The shop uses a cyclic system that visits the building three times a year. We perform tasks such as cleaning boilers and checking that safeties are working properly. In addition, the domestic hot water heaters are inspected and check for proper operation. Air handling equipment is serviced, belts are changed, bearings are lubed and the filtration is monitored or replaced as need with industry standards. Heating coils and cooling coils are inspected and cleaned as need. Exhaust fans are serviced once a year to insure that they are able to run as needed for ventilation. The shop also performs inspection on items including stage rigging, lunchroom tables for safe operation. Playground equipment and gym equipment is looked at and task generated for any major repairs needed. Preventive Maintenance oversees the code compliant contract for all the districts fire extinguishers: annul inspection and replacement due to use of the extinguisher or vandalism of the device or the cabinets they are secured in.

Maintenance and Operations Warehouse (MOW)

The Maintenance and Operations Warehouse is an internal location where commonly utilized tools and materials are available for the Denver Public School’s employees.

If you are interested in ordering supplies from the MOW, enter a work task through Tririga, or email Cherish_Boswell@dpsk12.org.

Integrated Pest Management

Contacts:

Roger Reyes – IPM Coordinator
720-423-4073
Roger_Reyes@dpsk12.org

Elijah Reyes – Pest Control Technician
720-423-4073
Elijah_Reyes@dpsk12.org

IPM is an effective and environmentally sound approach to pest management. It relies on the coordinated use of pest and environmental information and the best available pest management methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazards to people and the environment.

Description of Services:

Delivery Parameters: Baiting when appropriate, is initiated via a work order after a review of the conditions is conducted by District IPM personnel. IPM monitoring is an on-going activity and not limited to holiday or vacation periods. Baiting is limited to trained IPM personnel only.
Guidelines: Pesticide applications are scheduled only after consultation with faculty staff. No pesticide applications will be conducted while the facility is occupied. Facilities or areas of facilities, not adequately prepared, will not be sprayed. Unprepared facilities will be rescheduled for application at a later date. Only trained IPM personnel will apply pest control chemicals. All applications will be in compliance with EPA, OSHA, and local Health Department regulations related to the use of pesticides.
Resources: Two trained personnel will conduct all spraying and IPM related activities. Facility Managers and other school staff will be expected to assist in monitoring and other IPM related efforts in individual facilities.
Chemical Information: Only crack and crevice and limited area spraying will be allowed, no chemical fogging. No restricted use pesticides are allowed. Copies of MSDS sheets will be made available for review by facility staff upon request.
Program Constraints: Effectiveness of the program is in large part dependent upon the involvement and enforcement of an effective Integrated Pest Management Program by the principal, teachers, kitchen and custodial staff.

Contacts:

John Gleason- Manager

Jay Befus- Crew Chief

Protective Coatings

The Protective Coatings Department works to collaboratively build and ensure a positive workplace climate and productive work environment in which to fulfill our responsibility to the students, community and schools of DPS. There will be a participatory management style, strong teamwork and work ethic sustained through open and honest communication, respect for one another, commitment to job quality and integrity in all that we do.

Protective Coatings Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all district property, we specialize in paint, roofing, plaster/insulation, graphic design and graffiti removal 24/7/365

Our department has oversight and coordination on anywhere from 15 to 30 self-help and volunteer projects in any given period of the year and supports the other shops with equipment and set up as well as assuring after their projects are completed, the finishes are put back to an acceptable condition.

Graffiti Removal

Remove an average of 168,000 square feet of exterior graffiti throughout the district yearly.
Work hand-in-hand with school F.M’s on graffiti removal in and outside of schools, play grounds, bathrooms, retaining walls, doors, windows, etc.
Working with the City of DENVER on a daily basis to remove graffiti.
Proactive in the prevention of graffiti, gathering data and reporting to Denver Partners against Graffiti.
Assists other painters as assigned.

Resources:

Painting

Repair, repaint, and maintain all interior and exterior painting, Including but not limited to parking lots, kitchens classrooms, doors, furniture, and all products produced by other shops.
Working with the community to oversee self-help and volunteer programs as well as inspect all contract work.
Assist in the repair of projects by others.
Maintain and collect color pallet for all schools.
Maintain and update records of RRP lead program.

Plaster Work/Insulating

Repair and replace all damaged plaster throughout district, including working with hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead surfaces (RRP).
Repair and replace missing or damaged installation throughout district such as boiler rooms and H.V.A.C. units and ducting.
Bid school-will-pay projects, as well as, oversee self-help programs and contract inspections.
Assists in other shop functions as assigned.

Roofing

Repair and maintain 8,171,777 square feet of roof space including built up, EPDM, metal, PVC, and asphalt roofs.
Provide preventive maintenance information by inspecting and repairing on a yearly schedule, working closely with other shops when installing new product on school roofs.
Participate in job walks and inspection of contract work.
Assisting in other shop functions as assigned.
Maintain and update informational data on roof decks.

Signage/Graphic Art

Design, repair, and replace signage, name plates, awards, plaques, labels, safety markings, banners for school openings, working closely with Fire Department and security to provide proper signage.
Design graphics and caricatures for schools.
Review plans and contracts inspections, assists other trades in-shop as assigned.

Specialty Coatings

Repair and refinish all woodwork old and new, in support of schools and facility departments.
Use of automotive, industrial and baked urethane finishes.
Apply powder coat finishes to industrial parts as well as metal fabrication produced by metals department.
Custom artwork for school murals and hand painted logos.

Contacts:

Ken Montoya- Manager

Bret Flinchpaugh- Assistant Supervisor

Vince Clark- Crew Chief

Structural

The Structural department manages building maintenance across the district, servicing doors, locks, walls, floors, wood windows and glass, masonry, and some attached components. Structural has carpenters, cabinet makers, locksmiths, masons, and flooring technicians.

Contacts:

Bill Gordon- Manager

Matt McGrady- Supervisor

Roger Homrighausen- Crew Chief