Case Study: Fairfield Schools Find Long-Term Value in Durability of FRP, Aluminum Doors

For more than 28 years, Tim Leer has overseen maintenance operations at Fairfield Community Schools. In that time, he’s seen educational facilities evolve with new construction, shifting student behavior, and ever-present budget challenges. Throughout it all, Leer has remained focused on finding solutions that are effective, reliable, and durable for the long haul. His long-standing relationship with Special-Lite has become a cornerstone of that approach, providing high-performance doors and partitions that hold up under pressure, saving time, money, and headaches.

The Challenge: Vandalism and Frequent Abuse

Fairfield’s school facilities have faced various challenges over the years. Among the most persistent have been issues related to vandalism and general wear, especially in high-traffic student areas. One particularly troublesome spot was the boys’ gym locker room, where the door was so frequently abused by students—slammed shut, kicked, and pushed—that it needed to be replaced nearly every six months.

Leer had become accustomed to these cycles of damage and replacement. He needed a better, longer-lasting solution.

Meanwhile, other infrastructure within the school district was showing its age. In one bathroom, original metal partitions dating back to the building’s construction in 1990 had become structurally compromised and unsightly after just a few years of regular use. Despite their limited exposure in earlier years, once the bathrooms saw student traffic increase, the partitions began to fail. The internal framework deteriorated, and the panels eventually came loose, requiring a complete overhaul.

All of this occurred under the ongoing constraint of a limited budget. Leer had to be selective, choosing where to invest in superior products while balancing the needs of the entire district. Compounding the complexity was a growing need to respond to changing societal expectations—particularly regarding restroom design. Increasing demand for privacy and inclusivity, including considerations around multigender usage, pushed him to think about durability and future-ready design.

The Solution: Hybrid FRP

Leer’s first introduction to the SL-17^® Pebble Grain Hybrid FRP Door from Special-Lite came years ago when a local representative recommended it as a potential fix for the locker room door problem. Although it came with a higher price tag initially, the promise of long-term durability was appealing. That first door turned out to be a game-changer.

More than 25 years later, the door still hangs in place, with only the closers needing occasional replacement due to student abuse. The door itself remains structurally sound and visually intact. As Leer said, it was a “done deal”—once installed, he no longer had to worry about it.

Encouraged by the performance of that initial door, Leer began strategically expanding the use of SL-17 doors throughout the district. He prioritized the most vulnerable or high-traffic locations, including gym storage closets and building entryways.

Even when working within a tight budget, he made it clear to architects and contractors that he preferred Special-Lite, knowing that the cost savings would come later through avoided maintenance and replacement.

This philosophy carried over into restroom renovations as well. When it came time to replace aging bathroom partitions, Leer again turned to Special-Lite.

The new composite partitions offered the same damage resistance as the doors, and the installation process was streamlined. The new partitions brought a fresh, polished appearance to the facilities, and most importantly, no more worries related to structural failure. Tim believes strongly in investing in quality where it counts. Special-Lite products meet that standard.

Benefits of Long-Term Value

Today, the SL-17 doors installed throughout Fairfield Schools continue to perform with minimal maintenance, even under heavy student use. They maintain a clean appearance, withstand physical abuse, and provide long-term cost savings that far outweigh the initial investment. The same is true for the SpecLite 3^® FRP Bathroom Partitions, which replaced failing legacy systems with confidence-inspiring durability, and SL-15 Monumental Doors for the Administration Building.

Leer has witnessed firsthand how the wrong products can lead to a cycle of replacements, whereas the right ones simply last. As he continues overseeing facility upgrades—including a major new activity center—he remains committed to choosing long-term value over short-term savings.

“The product’s worth it,” Leer said, “You won’t replace it.”

Questions? Ready to tackle your school project? Reach out to your local Special-Lite Rep.

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