Administrator Spotlight

David Tate

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 best aspect of his current job is that it is like an extended family. Mr. Tate 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 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.

He greatly appreciates these recognitions but he is most proud of his 40 years of marriage, his two successful adult sons and beautiful daughter-in-law, and the completion of 39 years of work in his school district.

Mr. Tate plans to retire at the end of this school year completing his 39th year in the same district. Maybe he will get the chance to check off some things on his bucket list like hiking the Highlands Trail in its entirety and visiting all the national parks as well as the state parks in Arkansas. Although he will be missed, all of his Fayetteville School co-workers, ASPMA family, and AAEA friends wish him the best in his retirement!

What do you hope to be doing in five years?

“I hope to be continuing in my volunteer roles, part-time jobs, and spending quality time with my family and friends in the great outdoors.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

“Maintaining a budget to keep all district facilities, 2 million square feet) up to code and provide a safe, warm, and dry environment.”

What would others be surprised to know about you?

“I grew up in a funeral home and now oversee a community cemetery. For the past 26 years I have served as a fireman and first responder for the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department and as a deacon at Richland Baptist Church.”

What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career?

“It is a very rewarding job, but to be successful you have to be dedicated and married to your job.”

What are the benefits of AAEA membership?

“AAEA provides an avenue for networking with your peers, sharing ideas and concerns, and keeping you apprised of state regulations and requirements. Through AAEA I have developed meaningful professional relationships.”