MRH Operations

02/18/2026

MRH Athletic Field Advisory

We have reached a critical stage in establishing the growth of the new athletic field at Maplewood Richmond Heights High School/Middle School, which means users of this facility will encounter some restrictions in the coming weeks. The MRH Operations staff is coordinating with Advanced Turf, LandDesign and a volunteer turf expert to help us stay on schedule and improve how the field develops this season. This week, we are spreading a variety of grass seed across the field. LandDesign will use sand to topdress and drag the field. Afterward, we’ll install new heat blankets on the goal boxes.

You’ll likely see equipment and some areas temporarily off limits while this is happening. We ask that all students, staff and members of the public avoid the field until it is open for girls soccer practice. This will be determined by the weather and ability to get the seed to germinate.

The weather outlook through mid March looks favorable for germination with moderate daytime temperatures and periodic moisture. Because of the different seed types, they won’t all appear at once. With the blankets holding heat in the high-wear areas, we do expect to start seeing some visible growth prior to March 16 when Spring Break begins.

We appreciate your cooperation in our efforts to develop a field that will serve the MRH community for many years to come.

02/09/2026

Best... groundskeeper... ever!

02/02/2026

👀🛼 Calling Dr. Jamison… 🛼👀

Dr. Jamison, our superintendent, has been making a few confident claims about her skating ability.

Meanwhile…
• Our former middle school principal and now Director of Operations worked his way through college at a skating rink, teaching lessons along the way.
• He’s heard the comments and has reached out in person and via text… but we’re still waiting for her to show up.

And let’s not forget Dr. Dittrich, who clears his mornings each year to help the PE department teach second graders how to skate in the school gym. He could use an extra set of skilled skates — if only they could find Dr. Jamison. 🤔

The gym is ready.
The students are ready.
Still waiting… ⏳

01/26/2026

Don't be deceived by that full sunshine. It is brutally frigid out there. But our Operations Team always rises to the occasion. Here's what it looks like at all of our buildings today.

01/15/2026

Today, our Operations leaders spent the day investing in growing their leadership with the Missouri School Plant Managers Association.

MSPMA Leadership Module 6 is a full-day training designed specifically for facilities managers and maintenance professionals, focusing on the real-world skills needed to lead strong teams in school environments. Topics included team management, communication, motivation, decision-making, public interactions, and how to clearly communicate success.

They were fortunate to learn from Patty Corum, whose career spans four decades of service as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent for human resources, and deputy superintendent. Patty brings a leadership philosophy rooted in self-confidence, connection, and unselfish conversations, with a strong reputation for caring deeply for operations teams and support staff.

In addition, Josh Peach, author and motivational speaker, addressed our team, sharing powerful insights on purpose-driven leadership, authenticity, and growth. Our leaders also learned alongside leading industry professionals from across the state, creating space for collaboration, shared learning, and fresh perspectives. Josh always has a unique way of expressing gratitude for Operations teams and the value they bring to our communities.

The message throughout the day was clear: leadership is not about position, it’s about relationships, trust, and the courage to engage in meaningful conversations that move people and organizations forward.

Proud of our Operations leaders for showing up, leaning in, and continuing to grow for their teams and their community.

12/02/2025

The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District will be closed today due to the lingering impact of Monday's inclement weather. This is a traditional snow day, meaning there will be no AMI (remote instruction).

12/01/2025

MRH Lead Custodian Admir Muhic doesn't let moss grow at his feet and he doesn't let snow pile up on our sidewalks. When he isn't pushing a shovel with his colleagues from the Operations Department, he's distributing tubs of cold weather gear to each of our buildings.

11/24/2025

We make it easy to inquire about our open bus drivers positions. Just fill out this short 4-question interest form and we'll contact you! https://forms.gle/J5PdeZhqixv53yRM7

11/13/2025

MRH Facilities Team Attends MSPMA Professional Development in Columbia, MO

On November 12, several members of the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District’s Physical Plant team attended a day of professional development with the Missouri School Plant Managers Association (MSPMA) in Columbia, Missouri.

Representing MRH were Dr. Michael Dittrich, Director of Operations; Admir Muhic, District Lead Custodian; Manny Saldana, Head of Maintenance; and Neil Shah, District Groundskeeper.

They participated in four targeted sessions designed to strengthen district operations and enhance safety and efficiency:

Preparing for Winter – Strategies to ensure student and staff safety, improve snow-removal procedures, and determine appropriate staffing levels during weather events.

Custodial Strategies During Flu & Cold Season – Best practices for cleaning, disinfecting, and reducing illness spread across school facilities.

Managing Staffing Over Breaks – Approaches to compensation planning, scheduling, and performing preventative maintenance while school is out.

Procurement & Contract Management – Understanding purchasing requirements, vendor selection, and best practices for responsible contract oversight.

This training supports MRH’s commitment to maintaining safe, healthy, and well-managed learning environments for all students and staff.

They are pictured with Charley Branham, MSPMA Executive Director. Not pictured: Dr. Dittrich.

10/21/2025

The entire MRH custodial team recently enjoyed a full day of professional development at the Maryland Heights facilities of supplier Buckeye International. During a tour of the Buckeye plant, participants had an opportunity to understand the products and processes of a wide range of cleaning products. The team also reviewed the proper handling and use of custodial chemicals to ensure safety in daily operations. They also received machine maintenance training, a
hands-on review of daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance procedures for custodial equipment.

Other highlights:
-Training on New Equipment: Introduction and guidance on how to use newly available custodial tools and equipment.
-Daily Cleaning Procedure Videos: Custodians watched and discussed best practices for effective cleaning routines and upholding cleaning standards.

The MRH custodial team extends its sincere appreciation to Buckeye for making this training possible and beneficial for all who attended, at no charge to the District (including lunch!)

10/02/2025

10/01/2025

Three members of the MRH Operations Team have earned the prestigious Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Master Building Technician Gold Seal Certification. They are the first in District history to achieve this distinction.

Ernest Jones, Lead Custodian at MRH Elementary, and Jennis Pyatt, Lead Custodian at the High School, were honored in-person at the Missouri School Plant Managers Association (MSPMA) Fall Conference held September 28–30 in Branson, Missouri. Not pictured is Kaysie Pullen, who also completed the certification.

The Master Building Technician Gold Seal Program is a professional development initiative designed to elevate excellence across key facility disciplines. Candidates must complete at least three intensive two-day courses in areas such as Housekeeping, HVAC, Maintenance & Repair, and Supervision, followed by a formal application and review process.

The program’s mission is to:
-Instill pride in the essential work building technicians perform daily.
-Create ownership in the success of school communities.
-Develop a culture where training and empowerment lead to better service for students and staff.
“This achievement is not just a recognition of where they are, it’s a reflection of their commitment to continuous improvement in their craft,” said Dr. Michael Dittrich, Director of Operations. “Ernest, Jennis, and Kaysie understand that excellence in facilities work requires ongoing learning, evolving with new standards, and taking pride in the details that others may never see. Their work in the shadows is not always glorious, but it is instrumental in keeping our students and staff healthy and safe.”

This recognition highlights the vital role MRH’s facilities professionals play in ensuring that every classroom, hallway, cafeteria, and gym is safe, healthy and ready for learning each day.

For his part, Dr. Dittrich completed the MSPMA Core Certification Program, making him the first MRH staff member to earn this statewide credential. In addition, Dr. Dittrich was invited by the MSPMA Board to present a breakout session at the conference, sharing innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence to streamline work and improve efficiency in school facilities operations. His presentation, titled “The Assistant You Didn’t Know You Had,” introduced AI as a practical work partner, capable of drafting communications, analyzing data, organizing preventive maintenance documentation, and enhancing real-time decision-making.

The MSPMA Core Certification is a comprehensive leadership and technical program designed for school facility managers and operations executives. It includes seven intensive modules, each focused on a key discipline essential to running safe, efficient, and future-ready school environments:
-Custodial Operations & Staffing — Recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and cleaning systems.
-Building Systems — Energy management, HVAC fundamentals, utility tracking, and lighting technologies.
-Environmental Health & Safety — Indoor air quality, asbestos protocols, pest management, and injury prevention.
-Maintenance & Operations — Building envelope and roof management, preventative maintenance, and automation systems.
-Facility Life Cycle & Budgeting — Capital planning, sports field care, referendum project oversight, and long-term budgeting.
-Leadership & Communication — Program advocacy, public interaction, storytelling through metrics, and management philosophy.
-Emergency Management, School Safety & Security — Crisis planning, security equipment evaluation, after-hours incident readiness, and live threat response training.

Dr. Dittrich’s completion of the program and his selection as a presenter at the state level reinforce MRH’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and safety-focused leadership in all aspects of school operations.