Meet Andy LaRowe – Executive Director of Facilities and Construction

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is proud to welcome a new addition to the facilities department - Andy LaRowe. LaRowe tackles current and future bond projects as Executive Director of Facilities and Construction.
           

A native of Winston-Salem, LaRowe comes to GCS from an engineering and architectural firm in Delaware. LaRowe has more than 20 years of experience in planning, construction and operations of school facilities, which began when he worked with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in 1988.
          

LaRowe said the decision to come to GCS was an easy one. While it would take him back to back to his roots, he also was excited about the possibilities that a large district like GCS creates. “When I met with Leo Bobadilla, the Chief of Operations, I knew that some great things were about to happen with the facilities program in GCS,” LaRowe said. “Leo acknowledged that the system has come a long way with its building program.  We have a great staff and excellent potential to take the program to the next level.”

As the projects from the 2003 construction bond referendum come to a close, LaRowe is ready to step up to the plate for the 2008 construction bond referendum. “There is no question in my mind that the need for significant funding for construction of new schools and renovation is critical for GCS,” LaRowe explained. “I am concerned with the current number of mobile classrooms coupled with enrollment projections that indicate nearly 8,000 new students will join the system over the next 10 years. We also have an aging portfolio of buildings throughout the district. Overall, I do not believe we have received the level of capital funding necessary for renewal and replacement of critical building systems. Hopefully in the years going forward, we can reverse this trend and receive the funds necessary to maintain the investment we have made in our schools.” 
      

With the potential for so much growth in the district, LaRowe has big plans for GCS. “The ‘business’ of construction and facilities management can be greatly enhanced through the effective use of technology,” LaRowe said. “If we have accurate, reliable and useful information related to our school facilities and the community we serve, we can operate more efficiently and ultimately improve our service. If we can leverage technology to ensure that the information we need on a daily basis is always at our fingertips, we will establish a reputation of responsiveness and credibility. I would like for GCS facilities to set a standard of efficiency by which other school districts base their own performance.”

As he gets settled into his new position, LaRowe looks forward to gaining the confidence of the GCS students, parents, staff, leadership and surrounding community. Not only is he excited about building efficient and innovative schools and additions, but he has the knowledge and experience to create cutting edge learning atmospheres for our children.