Why NSPMA Chose to Join the School Safety Quarterly Board

By Ken Wertz
Executive Director
National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA)

At the National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA), we believe providing a safe and healthy environment for students and staff is one of the most important responsibilities of school facilities, maintenance, and operations professionals. Our members across the country are directly involved in the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the building systems and physical improvements that support school safety every day.

NSPMA joined the editorial board of School Safety Quarterly because our members bring an important and sometimes overlooked perspective to the conversation: the perspective of the end user. From facilities directors and maintenance professionals to custodians and janitors, these are the boots on the ground and often the eyes and ears of a school building. They know their buildings, notice when something is out of place, interact with students and staff every day, and are often among the first to identify potential safety, security, or building concern. They also understand how safety strategies, technology, and building improvements function in an occupied school and whether they can realistically be operated and maintained over time.

School safety requires collaboration across many disciplines, and no single profession has all the answers. NSPMA is proud to bring the experience of the professionals who operate and care for America’s schools to this collective effort while learning from the other experts at the table. Together, we can help ensure that school safety solutions protect students and staff while supporting the fundamental mission of every school: providing a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment where teaching and learning can thrive.