Spotlight
David Tate, Director of Physical Plant and School Services for the Fayetteville School District, says, “I hope to be remembered as a man of integrity with a strong work ethic, but also someone who loves to have fun.” David Tate currently serves as the Director of Physical Plant and School Services for the Fayetteville Public School District. He joined the FPS maintenance crew as a low temp refrigeration specialist in August of 1982. Shortly after that he assumed the role of lead HVAC technician and a year later added kitchen equipment technician and assisted as electrical, plumbing, and communications technician. He was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Director in 1996 and Physical Plan Director in 2008. From 2012-2015, Mr. Tate oversaw the building of a new 545,000 square foot high school, the third largest building project in the state at that time. Throughout his career he has assisted numerous remodels, thirteen additions to existing school buildings, and seven new schools totaling 1.1 million square feet.
As a teenager, David helped out at his sister and brother-in-law’s dairy farm. This experience made him realize that he was not cut out to be a “suit and tie” man. He knew he wanted to be in some type of hands-on mechanical role. His uncle was a general maintenance technician at the University of Arkansas and encouraged David to consider that profession. After receiving his HVACR certification, he spent some time in residential HVACR, installation and service of dairy barn equipment, and building refrigerated truck bodies before securing his job at Fayetteville Public Schools. If he wasn’t in his current position he would be working with a commercial/industrial mechanical contractor. The favorite aspect of his current job is that it is like an extended family. He states that over the years he has developed many lifelong friendships due to his working relationships. He said, “It is rewarding to be a part of an organization that has always held the learning environment for the students as a top priority.” David loves his job but also enjoys spending time with family hiking, biking, fishing and hunting. He enjoys doing most anything outdoors. He also serves as a member of the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department. He said the most daring thing he has ever done is going into a fully engulfed burning house. When asked how his coworkers would describe him, Mr. Tate said they would say he was a team player, but driven, and is someone who has high expectations. The greatest change he has seen in his 40 years at the school district is the evolution of technology and safety of students. In fact, he said that modern technology is still something that amazes him. Rewards that Mr. Tate has received include the Above and Beyond Award, the Impact Award, and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. 5
