Earlier this month, IDEA Public Schools celebrated Facilities Appreciation Day. Our campuses and HQ offices proudly recognized nearly 600 Team and Family members who are part of this outstanding department. The Facilities team consists of custodians, facilities managers, regional managers, and our national team. They work hard and sweat the small stuff to ensure our campuses remain in the best conditions possible for our scholars to learn and thrive in.  

We got the chance to speak with Guy McKeon IV, Director of Operations – Facilities about his team. Here’s what he had to say: 

Give me a brief description of the work you all do? 

The Facilities team at IDEA Public Schools is responsible for maintaining safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments across all our 73+ properties in multiple states. We ensure that every campus is ready for daily use, from HVAC maintenance, plumbing, electrical systems, and cleanliness. Their work ensures that our scholars and staff have the optimal physical environment to learn and teach.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What were some of the team’s biggest accomplishments last school year? 

• Expansion of Campuses: We successfully completed expansions at several campuses, including IDEA Lakeland and IDEA Compass in Florida, as well as IDEA Lopez in Permian Basin.  

 

• Renovation and Upgrades: We continued to invest in upgrading our existing campuses to improve infrastructure and meet the growing needs of our scholar population.  

 

• ATX Solar PV Project: This ambitious solar project is nearing completion and will have a significant impact on IDEA’s sustainability efforts. We installed solar systems across six campuses in our Austin region, which will help reduce IDEA’s carbon footprint and contribute to long-term operational savings. Our efforts for energy performance and sustainability have gotten three campuses awarded the ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

 

• Facilities Scholarship Expansion: We successfully expanded the Facilities Scholarship to the Austin region. The scholarship, which began four years ago, is funded by CPS Energy’s Demand Response Program. This initiative teaches scholars the importance of energy conservation, especially during times of high strain on the power grid. It will provide over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in San Antonio and Austin. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How would you describe the Facilities team? 

From custodians to Facilities Managers, they approach every challenge with a solution-driven mindset. Their commitment to excellence is visible in everything they do. They don’t just see their work as maintaining buildings;they see themselves as part of the educational process, contributing to a safe and inspiring environment where our scholars can succeed.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, we’d love to express our gratitude to all our Facilities Team and Family Members.  Want to become part of our Team and Family? Find a role that’s right for you on our Careers website today.