Get to Know the Facilities Team: Keeping South Umpqua Schools Safe, Ready, and Running
South Umpqua School District Facilities Team: JD Sauter, Pat Sharp, Josh Stone, Joe Motta, Bruce Clack, Clinton Drennen, and Rui Bem.
At South Umpqua School District, our dedicated Facilities Team works every day to support students, staff, and families. This work is led by Facilities Manager Joe Motta, who brings more than 24 years of experience to the district, along with a skilled crew responsible for maintaining and improving all five schools, in alignment with the district’s Strategic Plan priority of Modern and Safe Facilities.
The team’s work spans buildings of all ages and conditions, including two over 90 years old that require extra care, monitoring, and specialized maintenance. Out of the district’s 25 buildings, only nine are newer than 1973. Supporting aging facilities while meeting modern safety and operational standards is a key part of their daily work.
From routine maintenance and emergency repairs to long-term planning and construction projects, the Facilities Team ensures learning environments are functional and secure. They work closely with the custodial teams at each school, partnering to keep campuses clean, safe, and ready for students and staff. Together, they also prepare school sites for large community events such as athletics and graduation, where safety, accessibility, and smooth operations are essential.
“We continually seek grant funding and alternative funding sources to help bolster our budget and improve our facilities, from the exterior grounds to interior lighting, and everything in between. Our facilities are cared for by a small but determined crew. We take pride in our district and what we can do to help support our community,” said Joe Motta, South Umpqua School District Facilities Manager.
In 2024, the district received a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the School Violence Prevention Program to support campus safety improvements. The funding was used to install intercom entry systems at all five schools, allowing front office staff to see and remotely buzz in visitors, creating a more secure and controlled entry process. Special thanks go to Cody Morse (IT Services Computer Technician II) and the Facilities Team, who worked together to purchase and install the new systems.
The Facilities Team also oversees new construction and critical infrastructure projects that protect district buildings and extend their lifespans, including a recent project at Myrtle Creek Elementary and Coffenberry Middle School.
The roofing project was part of a Seismic Upgrade Grant at Myrtle Creek Elementary. We upgraded many aspects of this facility as part of the project, including roofing, electrical, painting, new windows, and insulation.
Additionally, the district was able to build a new cafeteria/band room for Coffenebrry Middle School using a federal grant. The project was completed in 2023. The expansion addressed student safety. Previously, middle school students walked across the street to share facilities with Myrtle Creek Elementary School.
In addition, the team manages preventive maintenance, compliance requirements, and hundreds of work orders via a new ticketing system each year to keep all five schools and the district office operational.
Whether caring for structures, coordinating with custodial staff, or installing modern security systems, the Facilities Team plays a vital role in creating safe, well-maintained spaces where students can learn, and communities can gather.
Thank you to the amazing Facilities Team!