Annual Maintenance and Operations Cost Information and Energy Cost Reports

Recently, the School District received the 2008-09 Annual Maintenance and Operations Cost Information Report and the Annual Energy Cost Report from the Florida Department of Education.

In the report, Plant Maintenance costs, consisting of activities for keeping the grounds, buildings, and equipment at an acceptable level of efficiency through repairs or preventive maintenance, were reported by square footage and cost per student [Capital Outlay Full Time Equivalent (COFTE)]. Also included were Plant Operations costs, consisting of utilities, custodial costs, safety, caring for grounds and general activities, and insurance costs. These costs were also reported by square footage and cost per COFTE.

Maintenance costs of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) ranked among the lowest in the state. Notably, only 2 school districts had lower combined maintenance and operations costs per COFTE. In comparing Hillsborough with other large and contiguous districts, Dade spent 41% more, Broward 27% more, Palm Beach 32% more, Pinellas 28% more, Pasco 9% more, Orange 3% more and Duval 9% more per COFTE than Hillsborough.

Even though the District's electricity rates went up, an average of 8%, our electrical costs only went up 2.2% per square foot.

Factors that have contributed to reduction in costs have been:

• Commitment to conserve - A team effort by superintendent and board, staff, energy mentors, students, faculty, site administrators, custodians and maintenance departments
• Reorganization - reduction of maintenance units resulting in cost savings
• Reevaluation of maintenance contracts - in-house/outsourcing
• Staff Development - maintenance and custodial staff
• Reduction of portables
• Effective property insurance negotiations
  (Continued on Attachment A)