Facilities Management

The Facilities & Operations Department supports Rochester Community Schools' core mission of lifelong learning by ensuring all facility users have safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Our Facilities Department vision is to make responsible, information-based decisions in day-to-day operations that support the educational, physical, and financial foundation of Rochester Community Schools.  As Michigan’s 8^th largest public school district, we are a leader and take Pride In Excellence in every aspect of facilities management.  We remain focused on the needs of students, staff and the greater RCS community as we continuously plan, implement and evaluate effective maintenance strategies.

RCS has always enjoyed strong community support, as evidenced by the approval of bond millages, most recently a 10-year sinking fund to be invested in capital improvements, technology and security.  Our goal is to be the best stewards of this investment in the following ways:

• Maintaining a highly-skilled, professional staff
• Focusing on sustainability in all plans, processes and purchases
• Maximizing technology to efficiently manage energy usage

Presently RCS encompasses 66 square miles in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Twp., Washington Twp. and Orion Twp.  The District owns 523 acres in total,

RCS owns approximately 2,696,890 square feet of building space, serving over 15,000 students.  There are:

• 13 elementary schools
• 4 middle schools
• 3 high schools
• Adult and special education center
• Child care center
• Administration center
• Transportation center
• Facility operations center

Successful bond issues in 2015, 2004, 2000, and 1997, as well as in the early 1990s provided the District the ability to upgrade, expand and update each of our buildings' systems.  RCS is proud to utilize the most recent instructional designs and latest energy-efficient products. A sinking fund approved in 2019 will allow the district continue these updates and improvements. 

2015 bond improves every RCS school

In 2015, Rochester-area residents voted overwhelmingly to approve the Rochester Community Schools bond proposal that provided a $185-million investment in our schools.

The projects addressed seven main priorities: improving student safety and school security; addressing critical needs in roofs, and in electrical and mechanical areas; upgrading technology and technology infrastructure; improving classroom and school interiors; establishing permanent spaces for pre-kindergarten, adult and special education; improving playgrounds, school sites, athletic facilities and fine arts facilities; and replacing school buses nearing the end of their life.

These critical improvements remained on-time and on-budget and were completed in 2020, enriching the learning environments for our students and community.

2019 sinking fund provides 10-year investment in RCS

In 2019, voters in the Rochester Community School District provided strong support in approving a building and site sinking fund. This investment in our schools continues to generate $7.8 million per year for 10 years to repair, replace, and buy new facility and infrastructure items, enhance security, and upgrade technology throughout the district. Residents invested directly in RCS, keeping tax dollars local.

“It is an honor to work among community members who place such a high value on education and are willing to invest in our students’ future,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaner. “As we move forward, every action will continue to be deliberate, strategic, and focused on safety and efficiencies throughout the entire RCS organization.”

In addition to providing for the instructional needs of students, RCS facilities are also used by a variety of community groups.  Buildings are open from 6:30 AM until 10:00 PM for these purposes.

• Administration Building Frequently Asked Questions, May 7, 2021
• Facility Analysis and Recommendation - BOE Presentation, April 12, 2021
• Bond and Capital Fund Projects - BOE Presentation, March 22, 2021
• Bond Updates - BOE Presentation, September 14, 2020
• 2019 Administration Building Assessment

Asbestos Management Plan

In 1988, extensive asbestos inspections were conducted throughout all of the buildings within the Rochester Community School District.  Each school building within the School District has been inspected for the presence of asbestos-containing materials as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  Based on the findings, the district developed a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan to contain and/or remove the materials from the buildings.  

Over the years, the district has remained committed to protecting our students and staff from asbestos exposure.  In accordance with regulatory requirements, inspections and periodic surveillance are conducted and the Asbestos Management Plan is evaluated and updated.

The District’s Asbestos Management Plan is available for review at the Administration Center during normal business hours.  A copy of the plan can be made available for a nominal fee.  The Administration Center is located at 501 W. University, Rochester, MI 48307.  Please contact the Contract Manager at (248) 726-3091 for more information.

Integrated Pesticide Management Plan

Rochester Community Schools implemented an “Integrated Pesticide Management Plan” (IPM) for the purpose of reducing or eliminating the use of herbicides or pesticides in District buildings and sites. There are times that pesticide or herbicide application is necessary, and prior to these times, unless an emergency occurs, parents/guardians have the right to be notified of these applications. This notification is in compliance with State Regulation PA24, revised March 10, 2004, and District Policy #7433, Environmental Health and Safety.  Advance notice of the application of a pesticide will be given at least 48 hours before the application by posting at school entrances.  Notification requirements do not apply to bait or gel pesticide formulation.

Parents/guardians are entitled to receive notice via email before the application, if they so request. Parents/guardians who desire to be notified of scheduled applications during the school year should contact their child’s principal and request that their name be placed on the pesticide notification list. During the summer break period and prior to the start of the school year, the District’s contracted pest management company applies weed-controlling herbicides to all sites.

The integrated pest management program and records are available for review at the Administration Center during normal business hours, located at 501 W. University, Rochester, MI 48307. Individual plans for each facility are also available at each principal’s office. For specific questions regarding pesticide application procedures, contact the Contract Manager at (248) 726-3091.

RCS Stormwater Management Plan

Other Information:

• City of Rochester Water Quality Report 2019
• City of Rochester Hills Water Quality Report 2019
• Car Wash Information