Majority of Brandon School Division Buildings Over 50 Years Old

A recent facility report reveals that a significant portion of the buildings within the Brandon School Division (BSD) are aging, with many facilities exceeding 50 years in age. During a general board meeting on October 2, 2023, Superintendent Mathew Gustafson presented findings indicating that 75 percent of the division’s 24 original school buildings are over half a century old, raising concerns about infrastructure needs and maintenance challenges.

The report highlights that the BSD operates a range of school buildings, from those constructed as recently as 2021 to facilities that are nearly 120 years old. The oldest structures include École New Era, built in 1906, along with the administration building from 1927 and Earl Oxford from 1928. The average age of these buildings is approximately 62 years, making them a focal point for future maintenance plans.

Aging Infrastructure Raises Maintenance Concerns

Among the mid-century schools, several notable examples include George Fitton (1954), Neelin (1956), St. Augustine (1957), and J.R. Reid (1959). In contrast, only a few schools, such as Maryland Park (2021), Kirkcaldy Heights (1988), and Waverly Park (1991), are considered relatively new.

The report also reveals that BSD has 30 additional structures, including classroom wings and gymnasiums, which add to the overall complexity of maintenance. These additions vary in age from nine to 70 years, with an average of 42 years. Notably, 37 percent of these additions are at least 50 years old, amplifying the urgency for effective maintenance strategies.

Superintendent Gustafson outlined the division’s current maintenance approach, which includes corrective, preventive, and predictive strategies. However, he acknowledged that the division largely relies on corrective maintenance due to the rising costs associated with unexpected failures. “Running equipment until it fails can be costly,” Gustafson stated, noting that such reactive maintenance can be up to ten times more expensive than regular maintenance programs, as indicated by industry studies.

Financial Constraints Affecting Maintenance Strategies

Trustees raised questions regarding the operational status of BSD’s modular units, which range from three to 14 years old. Gustafson confirmed that all 13 modular units remain in service, with two at École New Era used for purposes beyond classrooms, such as supporting families and Indigenous education.

Despite the financial pressures, Gustafson expressed a commitment to gradually adopting more preventive and predictive maintenance practices. “We are trying to move more toward preventative and predictive,” he said, emphasizing that while the division is currently focused on corrective maintenance, they aim to incorporate more proactive measures in the future.

The report raises critical questions about the long-term viability of the aging infrastructure within the Brandon School Division. As the division navigates these challenges, the need for strategic planning and budget allocation becomes increasingly essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of educational facilities for future generations.