Aging Infrastructure Poses Challenges for Brandon School Division

A recent facility report reveals that the majority of buildings within the Brandon School Division (BSD) are significantly aged, raising concerns about the sustainability of the infrastructure. Out of the 24 original school buildings managed by the division, the average age is now 62 years, with some structures dating back nearly 120 years, according to Superintendent Mathew Gustafson.

During a board meeting on Monday, Gustafson highlighted that 75 percent of BSD’s buildings are over 50 years old, and alarmingly, only one facility is under 35 years. The oldest buildings include École New Era, constructed in 1906, the administration building from 1927, and Earl Oxford, built in 1928. A significant portion of the infrastructure consists of mid-century schools, such as George Fitton (1954), Neelin (1956), St. Augustine (1957), and J.R. Reid (1959).

Current Infrastructure Overview

Only a few buildings are relatively new, with Maryland Park being the most recent addition, completed in 2021. The division also oversees 30 additions across its schools, which include classroom wings and gymnasiums, with an average age of 42 years. Gustafson noted that 37 percent of these additions are at least 50 years old.

The report does not account for new structures such as the Maryland Park School addition and the modular unit at Meadows School, as they were not occupied when the data was gathered. Currently, BSD operates 13 modular units, which range from 3 to 14 years old, all of which remain in service.

Gustafson addressed questions from trustees regarding the functionality of these modulars. Trustee Lorraine McConnell inquired whether they were still in use, to which Gustafson confirmed that none had been replaced since installation. He added that two of the modular units at École New Era serve purposes beyond classrooms, such as supporting families and Indigenous education.

Maintenance Strategies and Financial Challenges

To manage its aging infrastructure, BSD employs a three-pronged maintenance strategy: corrective, preventive, and predictive. However, Gustafson acknowledged that the division remains heavily reliant on corrective work due to unexpected failures, such as plumbing leaks and mandated safety updates.

He expressed concern about the financial challenges facing the division, stating, “Running equipment until it fails can be costly.” According to industry studies, corrective maintenance can be up to 10 times more expensive than a regular maintenance program. In comparison, predictive maintenance could yield savings of 8 to 12 percent over preventive approaches and as much as 40 percent over reactive fixes, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Despite the financial strain, Gustafson reassured trustees of BSD’s commitment to gradually shifting towards more preventive and predictive maintenance methods as resources allow. The ongoing challenge remains balancing immediate maintenance needs with the long-term sustainability of the division’s infrastructure.

As BSD navigates these complex issues, the future of its aging buildings and the educational environment they provide remains a critical focus for both the administration and the community.