GCS 'Building Futures' Construction Update

 

Meet Gerald Greeson - Director of Maintenance

 

In Gerald Greeson’s 15 years with GCS, he has worn a lot of hats and filled a lot of roles. He started out in the Maintenance Department working with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. In addition, he set up close to 400 mobile classrooms. He moved to the Facilities Department during the 2003 School Bonds, and then returned to Maintenance as a director.

While Greeson no longer spends his time working with HVAC systems, he does figure out how to utilize his staff of 165 in the most efficient way to accomplish the most. From 1960 until 1990, there was very little construction in the district, so Greeson and his team are tasked with fixing old buildings with antiquated HVAC systems, leaking roofs and limited budgets.  

According to Greeson, caring for a district of our size is not as daunting as it seems: “Believe it or not, it’s a lot simpler than it sounds because of our staff. We’ve got highly skilled folks who have demonstrated such a commitment to this district. They do whatever it takes to get the job done. They compromise their own schedule to do whatever it takes. Our staff is so professional, and they’ve been doing it for so long, that my job is almost easy in that regard.”

Since voters approved the 2003 and 2008 School Bonds, the Maintenance Department has been even busier. Greeson plans to replace 25 boilers that are 40 years old over the summer. In addition, there are three complete HVAC renovations. “We’re excited about that,” Greeson said. “It’s going to help out a lot and make a big impact on the district.”

The Maintenance Department doesn’t just work on leaky roofs, finicky water heaters and aging HVACs. Greeson says many people don’t realize how much the department handles. “We do everything including painting, security, landscaping, technology, HVAC, custodial support and air quality,” he said. “It’s really tremendous. There is absolutely nothing that we can’t do, and we complete about 40,000 work orders a year!”

Regardless of the task his department faces, Greeson says their work couldn’t be more vital to the superintendent’s goal of achieving education excellence for all students: “Student environment and teacher environment plays a significant role in how well students perform. Not only do I really like building relationships with teachers, administrators and students, I like working on their behalf to improve their learning environments. I want to make sure it’s conducive to what they’re doing and we’ve optimized their comfort level.”

 

In compliance with federal laws, Guilford County Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.  Refer to the Board of Education's Discrimination Free Environment Policy AC for a complete statement. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the Guilford County Schools Compliance Officer, 120 Franklin Boulevard, Greensboro, NC  27401; 336.370.2323.