While teachers and support staff educate, administrators lead, and students learn, an essential team works behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly: the Bethel Park Operations Team. This dedicated group of professionals is responsible for maintaining the district schools' safety, security, and functionality, handling everything from snow removal and HVAC repairs to electrical maintenance and emergency plumbing issues.
The 12-person team is composed of Don Crafton, Ray Hartman, Ian Hopkins, Calvin Lindley, Mike Mahinske, Frank Naughton, Dan Painter, Tom Sanders, Mike Schultz, Dylan Sperling, and Robert Sloan. They take pride in their professionalism, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to the district. Some members, including Bethel Park graduates Sperling, Shultz, and Mahinske, have returned to serve their community. The team brings decades of expertise, with Shultz alone contributing 20 years at Bethel Park.
“They are paramount to the safety and security of our schools,” said Assistant Superintendent for Facilities and Operations Dr. Mark Korcinsky. “From fixing broken doors and cameras to handling fire suppression systems, there isn’t an area they don’t cover.”
Their work goes beyond typical maintenance. The team responds to emergencies, such as the recent sewer backup at Lincoln Elementary, solving problems swiftly to ensure uninterrupted school operations. Snow and ice removal is another significant challenge, requiring early mornings and careful coordination to clear parking lots and walkways before staff and students arrive.
“We spend a lot of time on weekends and work through all kinds of weather to keep the schools open and safe,” said Maintenance Coordinator Ian Hopkins. “It’s a constant effort, but we take pride in what we do.”
The Operations Team also plays a vital role in supporting school events, transporting athletic and band equipment to away games, winterizing stadiums, and assisting with construction projects, such as the new elementary school. Their new electronic work order system has dramatically improved efficiency, allowing them to troubleshoot and address issues before they become major problems.
“People don’t realize that our district operates like a small city, with restaurants, healthcare facilities, and educational buildings,” Korcinsky said. “Our team of 12 keeps that ‘city’ running seven days a week.”
Each member brings unique strengths to the team and shares a deep sense of pride in their work.
“It’s stressful, but when you see the schools looking great and running well, it’s a great feeling,” Sperling said.
“We do it for the kids,” said Sloan. “Our job is to make sure that they can learn in an environment that is free from distractions and puts them in the best position to succeed.”
According to Sanders, the team has consciously transitioned from a reactive mode to a more proactive maintenance approach, increasing efficiency and safety. “We have a lot of older buildings to look after, and while I love them, they were built in a different era and with parts that are no longer manufactured,” he said. “Oftentimes, when a part wears out or malfunctions, it can take a while to locate or create the right parts to fix it.
Korcinsky also anticipates some hiccups with the new elementary school, particularly in the early going. However, he insists that it’s being constructed using modern parts and practices that will make maintenance of that facility much more manageable.
“Efficiency and effectiveness are key,” Korcinsky said. “We’re working toward preventing problems before they happen.”
The Bethel Park Operations Team is more than just a maintenance crew; they are the backbone of the district. Their tireless efforts ensure that students and staff can learn and work in a safe, well-maintained environment.
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