Every day, the Silver Falls School District facilities team is hard at work ensuring that classrooms, cafeterias, and gyms across the district are safe, comfortable, and ready for students and staff. Led by Facilities Director Jeff Alderman, the team manages one of the largest collections of school buildings in the region. Each one has its own history, quirks, and maintenance challenges.

Many of Silver Falls’ school buildings have stood for generations, serving students and families decade after decade. That means keeping them in top shape takes not only skill but also dedication. Alderman’s team of skilled professionals take great pride in their work, tackling both large-scale projects and everyday repairs that keep the district running smoothly.

While the facilities team can address many needs through hard work and resourcefulness, major upgrades and large-scale repairs often require significant funding that can only come through community-supported bonds. These investments ensure schools remain safe, efficient, and well-equipped to serve future generations.

Over the summer, their efforts were in full swing. Among the many projects completed:

Silver Crest Elementary: A seismic retrofit strengthened the library building, ensuring it meets modern safety standards.

Victor Point School: The middle school boys’ bathroom was fully remodeled, providing a clean and updated space for students.

Parking Lots: Fresh paint brightened and organized the lots at Mark Twain, Victor Point, and Silverton High School.

Central Howell School: A new radon mitigation system was installed to improve air quality and safety.

Silverton High School: New speakers in the main gym enhanced sound quality for assemblies and athletic events. New walk-in coolers and freezers improved food storage and efficiency in the cafeteria.

Each project reflects the team’s commitment to providing students with safe, functional learning environments, even as the district’s aging facilities demand constant attention.

“The work never really stops,” said Alderman. “We’re always looking for ways to make our buildings better and safer for the people who use them every day.”

Special thanks go out to the dedicated maintenance crew: Helen Fetsch, Ricky Graetzer, Alex Johnson, Leland Dettwyler, Ron Duda, Vance Taylor, and Jason Trowbridge, whose hard work and expertise make these projects possible.

The district also extends its appreciation to all Silver Falls School District custodians, who take tremendous pride in keeping classrooms, hallways, and offices clean and welcoming throughout the year. Together, the facilities and custodial teams ensure that students and staff walk into buildings that are safe, well-cared-for, and ready for learning every single day.

The district’s facilities team exemplifies the spirit of service that defines Silver Falls. They quietly work behind the scenes to maintain schools that have served generations of students and ensure they will continue to do so for years to come.