Superintendent Jara announces hiring of new Chief of Facilities
McKinnis has extensive experience managing the facilities at properties on the Strip, currently serving as the Vice President of Property Operations at Bellagio Hotel and Casino, a world-class iconic property.
Dr. Jara said McKinnis will lead CCSD’s increased focus on ensuring that district facilities are properly maintained, while also overseeing construction, expansion and renovation of facilities.
Jara cited a recent report conducted by the Council of the Great City Schools. While the report commended CCSD in several areas related to facilities, including saving money by using prototypical designs for new schools, it also found that the district needs to do more to evaluate the effectiveness of contractors, and should implement a formal energy management and conservation program.
The report also called for an up-to-date, long-term facilities master plan, and a formal plan for predictive, preventative, or routine maintenance. CCSD currently has about $6 billion in deferred maintenance.
“Like other districts in the country, CCSD is facing a potential crisis due to deferred maintenance,” Jara said. “Our 360 schools and administrative facilities are investments made by the taxpayers, and we must be good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars.”
“Additionally,” Jara said, “as we continue to open new schools, build school expansions and address deferred maintenance concerns, we must ensure every dollar is spent wisely and methodically so we can maximize the funding that will drive dollars into our classrooms.”
The district’s new five-year strategic plan, Focus: 2024, sets several goals related to facilities, including moving from reactive management of maintenance to comprehensive stewardship, as defined by the Association of Physical Plant Administrators.
It also sets goals to improve proper levels of ground service and to build systems to determine which facilities are in the “danger zone,” “critical watch” and “watch” lists.
At the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, McKinnis currently oversees management of engineering, technical services, energy management and construction development. He has led operational efficiencies and overall cost reductions, including a comprehensive preventative maintenance program to maintain all guest room inventory at the highest standard.
He previously served in positions related to operations and engineering at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Mirage Hotel and Casino and Treasure Island Hotel and Casino.
“Dave has done tremendous work during his time at Bellagio and throughout his decades of service with the company,” said Bellagio President & COO Randy Morton. “While we’re sad to see him go, we’re heartened to see that local students, teachers and faculty will benefit from his skills and expertise through his important new role with the Clark County School District.”
McKinnis will start the new position May 29. The current employee overseeing facilities will remain through June 30. Jara said he appreciates the service of current leadership, who oversaw the beginning of the current 10-year, $4 billion Capital Improvement Program.