Larry Ferchaw
Chief Business Official
San Gabriel USD
FIT assessments and infrastructure project management across multiple sites — modernized, energy-efficient, safer learning environments aligned with educational priorities.
Case study
San Gabriel Unified School District Facilities Management
School Leaders partnered with San Gabriel Unified School District to oversee key infrastructure projects focused on modernizing and enhancing educational facilities. Our efficient, goal-aligned approach ensured each project supported SGUSD’s vision for improved functionality and safety.
- Building Performance
- 37%
- Value
- $50m
- Duration
- 3 years
Overview
San Gabriel Unified School District serves over 4,500 students across eight schools, committed to providing high-quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment. To support this mission, SGUSD engaged School Leaders to manage and implement key infrastructure projects that would address both immediate needs and long-term facility goals
Scope of work
- Project Management: Oversaw the planning, execution, and completion of multiple infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Facility Inspection Tool (FIT) Assessments: Conducted evaluations for all district sites, as mandated by California state requirements, to ensure facilities are in "good repair," meaning they are clean, safe, and functional.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaged with district leadership, staff, and community members to align project objectives with the district's educational mission and community expectations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensured all projects complied with state and local regulations, including safety standards and building codes.
Successes
- Enhanced Learning Environments: Delivered modernized classrooms and facilities that significantly improved the quality of education for students.
- Energy Efficiency: Implemented upgrades that reduced energy consumption and operational costs.
- Safety Improvements: Upgraded facilities to meet current safety standards, ensuring a secure environment for students and staff.
- Community Satisfaction: Strengthened community trust through transparent communication and successful project outcomes.
Challenges
- Aging Infrastructure: Addressing the needs of older school facilities requiring significant repairs and upgrades.
- Budget Constraints: Managing projects within financial limitations while striving to achieve the best possible outcomes.
- Minimizing Disruption: Coordinating construction activities to minimize impact on students, staff, and school operations.
Highlights
- New Scoreboard Installation: Implemented state-of-the-art scoreboards to enrich the athletic experience for students and the community.
- HVAC System Upgrades: Modernized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to provide optimal indoor air quality and comfort across all school facilities.
- Lighting Enhancements: Upgraded lighting systems to energy-efficient solutions, improving visibility and reducing operational costs.
- Roofing Renovations: Conducted thorough roof replacements and repairs to protect facilities from weather elements and extend building longevity.
- Comprehensive Modernization Efforts: Managed various projects aimed at updating and revitalizing school infrastructures to meet contemporary educational standards.
Reference for this work
Contact information available on request for active prospects under NDA.
From our team
Perspective on this kind of engagement
40 Years Transforming Schools: Joe Dixon on Building Communities Through Better Facilities
Meet Joe Dixon, founder of School Leaders and a 40-year veteran of transforming educational environments. From starting at the bottom of Capistrano Unified in 1984 to leading Prop 51's passage for California school funding, Joe's journey proves that great schools create great communities — sometimes one lunch table at a time.
Have a similar project ahead?
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