Brandon School Division Faces Aging Infrastructure Challenges

The Brandon School Division (BSD) is confronting significant challenges as a recent facility report reveals that the majority of its buildings are now past middle age. The report, presented by Superintendent Mathew Gustafson during a board meeting, indicates that 75 percent of BSD’s structures are over 50 years old, with the average age of its 24 original school buildings at 62 years.

According to Gustafson, the age of these buildings ranges dramatically, from just five years to nearly 120 years. The oldest facilities include École New Era (built in 1906), the administration building (1927), and Earl Oxford (1928), well exceeding 90 years in age. In contrast, only one building is under 35 years old, highlighting the urgent need for attention and resources.

Maintenance Strategies for Aging Facilities

The BSD has a diverse portfolio of educational facilities, including mid-century schools like George Fitton (1954), Neelin (1956), St. Augustine (1957), and J.R. Reid (1959). The division also operates 30 additional structures, which range from nine to 70 years old, with an average age of 42 years. Notably, 37 percent of these additions are at least 50 years old.

Gustafson explained that the division is currently reliant on a three-pronged maintenance strategy: corrective, preventive, and predictive. Despite efforts to transition towards preventive measures, the BSD remains primarily focused on corrective maintenance due to financial constraints. Unexpected failures, such as plumbing issues or safety updates, often necessitate immediate attention and resources.

“Running equipment until it fails can be costly,” Gustafson noted. He cited industry studies indicating that corrective maintenance can cost up to ten times more than a regular maintenance program. Predictive maintenance, which could save the division significant funds, is currently not fully implemented. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, predictive maintenance can save between 8 to 12 percent over preventive approaches, and as much as 40 percent over reactive solutions.

Future Considerations and Community Impact

The financial challenges BSD faces are compounded by rising maintenance costs that outpace available budgets. Gustafson expressed a commitment to gradually incorporate more preventive and predictive maintenance strategies as resources allow.

During the board meeting, trustee Lorraine McConnell inquired about the status of the division’s modular units, which range from three to 14 years old. Gustafson confirmed that all 13 modular units are still in use, although two at École New Era serve purposes beyond classrooms, such as supporting family services and Indigenous education.

The aging infrastructure of the Brandon School Division raises concerns not only about the longevity of the buildings but also about the quality of education and resources available to students. As the division navigates these challenges, the community will be watching closely to see how BSD adapts its maintenance strategies and prioritizes its facilities for the future.