From Architecture to Operations: Prioritizing Maintenance and Energy Efficiency in Education
In this episode of Facility Voices, host David Trask speaks with Burke Jones, Director of Operations at Derby Public Schools, about a professional journey that moves from architecture into the realities of school operations. After more than 26 years in design, Burke explains what drew him to K–12 facilities leadership and how his architectural background helps him think strategically about maintenance, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
Their conversation takes a practical look at aging school buildings, the challenge of prioritizing critical systems, and the constant tension between reactive repairs and proactive investment. Burke also shares how his district approaches energy efficiency, focusing first on operational improvements and measurable data before making major capital decisions. Along the way, he reflects on workforce shortages in the trades, capturing institutional knowledge, and why facilities teams play a direct role in student comfort, learning, and community pride.
Tune in to hear Burke Jones’s story and insights from the front lines of facilities management.
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Burke Jones
Director of Operations, Derby Public Schools
K-12 facilities & operations management
Burke Jones, FMP serves as the Director of Operations for Derby Public Schools, where he leads district-wide facilities, maintenance, custodial, transportation, energy management, and capital project coordination. With a Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation and a foundational background in architecture, Burke brings a strategic lens to managing the built environment of K–12 education. At Derby, he oversees operational planning, preventative maintenance, and infrastructure investments that support safe and functional learning spaces. Burke is a frequent voice in facilities management circles, sharing insights on the connection between school operations, culture, and student success through thought leadership and professional discussions online.
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