The district has contracted with Aramark Education Facility Services for the oversight of its buildings and grounds operations, bringing the company’s vast expertise and training resources to Niskayuna’s schools.

The contract calls for the company to provide supervision of the department, arrange for staff training on equipment, establish standardized procedures for district custodians and maintenance staff for the care of the buildings and equipment, and oversee the procurement of standardized supplies and materials, which will result in savings. The contract also provides for new equipment that will provide for increased efficiency and cleaning capabilities.

Aramark began its work with the district in July, following the retirement of Buildings and Grounds Superintendent John Rabine.

The total cost of the Aramark contract is $242,590. Officials said the district will benefit from the level of supervision two people will provide across three shifts; the access to training resources and updated equipment; and the company’s overall expertise in establishing and implementing facilities management plans.

Aramark’s Jim Dean and Randy Loring are the two supervisors working on-site in the district. Since their arrival this summer, they have met with building leaders and staff members at each school across the district to discuss their facility needs and priorities. Custodial and maintenance staff members have undergone training on new equipment.

Aramark Education Facilities Services manages the facilities for more than 600 colleges and universities around the country.

The district solicited competitive proposals for the services that will be provided by Aramark. The contract is for five years, with a clause that allows either party the ability to opt-out with notice at any time.

“We believe that Aramark brings a degree of expertise and experience to our district that will serve us well,” Superintendent Susan Kay Salvaggio said. “We have a responsibility to protect the investment that taxpayers have made in district facilities over time. This decision – along with the quality work our buildings and grounds crews do day-in and day-out – will help us do that.”