News & Insights
VIDEO: Designing K-12 projects that survive budget reality
Why this matters now
K-12 districts are facing rising construction costs, aging buildings, and tight community budgets. Bond programs are passing by narrow margins or being trimmed before construction begins. The pressure on design teams is to deliver schools that serve students and teachers well, hold up over decades, and stay within budgets that keep shifting. Decisions made early in design determine whether the project survives value engineering with its integrity intact.
What leaders are weighing
District leaders and design teams are weighing the desire for forward-looking school design against the realities of bond constraints and operating budgets. They are deciding where to invest in flexibility, durability, and energy efficiency, and where to make disciplined choices that keep the project moving. There are tradeoffs around structural systems, MEP strategies, and finishes. Educators want spaces that support learning. Administrators want maintainable buildings. Boards and taxpayers want responsible stewardship. The right plan respects all of those audiences.
How Salas O’Brien is helping clients respond
Our K-12 team helps districts and design partners deliver schools that work for students, teachers, and operators within real budget constraints. We bring MEP, structural, technology, and project delivery expertise together with experience navigating bond programs and shifting expectations. We help clients make decisions that protect core values when budgets tighten and avoid surprises during construction. Hear Misty DuPre, Keith Gassmen, Suren Gosine, and Demetrius Scruggs talk through how to deliver K-12 projects that survive budget reality.
Misty DuPre, PE
With 19 years of experience in mechanical engineering for educational facilities, Misty DuPre is an expert in LEED projects, energy analysis, cost estimation, hydronic central plant design, and DDC controls. Her expertise in the field has enabled her to provide innovative solutions for complex projects for schools, the federal government, and municipalities. Misty serves as a Principal for Salas O’Brien. Contact her at [email protected].
Suren Gosine
Suren Gosine has more than 15 years of experience working with DC Public Schools, and has developed intimate knowledge of DCPS and local DC clients through his business development role at Salas O’Brien. His expertise spans the district’s evolving school modernization programs, from the initial capital improvement initiatives under OPEFM to the current net zero energy projects under the DC Department of General Services. Suren has been instrumental in positioning Salas O’Brien as DCPS’s go-to MEP firm, helping the company emerge as a leader in sustainable school design and historic renovations. He is committed to delivering high-performing educational facilities that not only meet stringent energy codes but also contribute to measurable improvements in student academic performance. Suren serves as Director of Business Development at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected]
Keith Gassman
Keith Gassman, PE, has over 30 years of experience in electrical engineering and project management. He brings deep expertise in designing reliable, practical electrical systems for education, commercial, industrial, municipal, retail, and athletic facilities. Keith has extensive experience supporting K-12 and higher education clients, helping project teams align electrical infrastructure with long-term campus needs, operational goals, and budget realities. His broad project background gives him a strong understanding of how electrical systems influence safety, flexibility, resilience, and performance across a wide range of facility types. Keith serves as a Principal at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].
Demetrius Scruggs
Demetrius Scruggs brings deep expertise in plumbing engineering, with a focus on practical, coordinated systems that support building performance, occupant needs, and long-term operations. His experience includes helping project teams navigate system design, coordination, constructability, and the day-to-day decisions that shape successful outcomes. He serves as Associate Vice President at Salas O’Brien. Contact him at [email protected].