The Brownwood ISD maintenance crew, led by Vic Singleton, celebrated the completion of their new building, Friday, December 21st, by inviting Brownwood ISD staff to an open house to view the facility.
After taking on the project of constructing the pre-manufactured building exactly one year ago, it is estimated that Brownwood ISD’s maintenance department saved the district between $100,000 to $400,000 by constructing the pre-manufactured building themselves, utilizing the expertise of their crew. “Each of the 13 maintenance team members have given countless extra effort, above and beyond the normal call of duty, and far beyond what had ever been asked of them to complete the task,” reported Singleton. “They have displayed their talents and professionalism beyond even my expectations.”
Spending only $15,000 on outside contractors, the 10,800 sq. ft. facility houses 1200 sq. ft. of office space that includes a plan room and reception area. The remaining space includes separate shops for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, grounds, locksmith, custodial, and dry storage.
The entire project cost around $136,000, including demolition of the old building, and the maintenance crew recycled any useful materials during construction. “One of the things we strive to do in our department is to utilize everything possible to save the district dollars,” said Singleton. “In this construction we were very careful to use any of the left over materials, phase out materials, and still functional material in our new building.”
Everything from old lumber and roll up overhead doors to bathroom fixtures, windows, and left over materials from past renovations were used to complete the project. A retired flag-pole from East Elementary was reused and now stands at the front of the building prominently displaying the U.S. flag. 
The new building replaces one used in 1966 as an Ag. barn that was becoming a safety hazard. “When I came on board as Director in 2007, there were supports supporting supports on many main beams,” reported Singleton. “Over the four plus years we would come to work and find another beam completely snapped in two. The stress of the roof weight was very evident and becoming a hazardous situation.”
According to Singleton, the old building came down in a mere 14.5 minutes during the demolition, with the walls cratering under their own weight. Waldrop construction was contracted for the demolition and the creation of the new parking lot. “The existing slab from Camp Bowie days was used in the design and therefore averted close to $100,000 in concrete work,” noted Singleton.
The new building was delivered on December 21st, 2011, and is now complete one year later. “They just did a phenomenal job,” said Brownwood ISD Superintendent, Dr. Reece Blincoe. “The facility reflects professional craftsmanship, and on top of it, they saved the district a lot of money.”
The Brownwood ISD maintenance crew that contributed to the project included Joe Brandstetter, Cody Brightman, Warren Bryant, Erick Davis, Rick Felchner, Danny Goins, Jimmy Pepper, Dewayne Perry, James Strakos, Larry Wakefield, Steve Warren, Val Garcia and Greg Preston. James Thompson and Oscar Chapa have since retired, but also helped with construction.
“The new facility is larger, taller, and safer,” said Singleton. “They [BISD Maintenance Crew] are to be commended for their efforts to make the BISD Maintenance Facility one of the best, and one to be very proud of.”
