Educator housing is heating up—here’s what you need to know. Recenlty, Kitchell’s Tony Mirenda led a powerful, packed CMAA session on Educator Workforce Housing—so engaging it went 30 minutes over and nearly everyone stayed. Why? Because this topic is critical for California school districts right now.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ The need is growing – Demand is spiking across the state and beyond
✅ Policy momentum is building – AB 1021 strengthens the path paved by AB 2295
✅ The work doesn’t end at occupancy – Leasing, maintenance, and tenant issues persist
✅ Voice of staff is vital – Regular surveys help districts stay aligned with workforce needs
✅ Finance is everything – Local bonds and creative capital stacks are key
✅ Champions lead the way – Every successful project has a passionate internal advocate

How Kitchell helps? Districts need a quarterback. Kitchell brings a fully integrated team—program & construction management, architecture, engineering, and project controls—to guide projects from vision to move-in.

Ready to explore what’s possible for your district? Contact Tony Mirenda at tmirenda@kitchell.com.

Let’s turn ideas into impact—and bring meaningful educator housing to life.

At Kitchell, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a core value deeply embedded in our company culture. To reinforce this commitment and honor the memory of an employee lost to a workplace accident, Kitchell established the Samuel Monge Memorial Safety Award in 2018. Named after Samuel Monge, a laborer who tragically lost his life on the Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) project in 2010, the award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to promote safety and embody Kitchell’s values.

This year, Kitchell proudly recognized Randy Durston, a foreman with DP Electric, as the recipient of this prestigious award. Randy’s leadership on the PCH 3rd Floor renovation turned challenges—including near-miss incidents—into opportunities for improvement, setting a new benchmark for safety-first practices. By identifying vulnerabilities in safety protocols and implementing effective solutions, Randy has not only enhanced the safety of his team but also influenced broader safety standards.

Randy Durston accepting the 2024 Samuel Monge Memorial Safety Award

The award’s symbolic trophy, a replica of Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, reflects strength, resilience, and the power of safety. Embedded in the hammer is the Samuel Monge Safety Coin, a reminder of the values it represents. As Randy works an electrical subcontractor, the award’s design is a nod to the Norse god of thunder and lightning, tying the symbolism of strength to Randy’s exceptional efforts.

Randy exemplifies excellence in safe electrical practices, particularly in the proper completion of Electrical Energized Work Permits (EEWP). His work has become a training standard for foremen and contractors across projects, amplifying his positive impact throughout the industry. Additionally, Randy actively identifies unsafe conditions and works closely with Kitchell to develop and implement solutions, embodying a proactive approach to safety.

The Samuel Monge Memorial Safety Award is more than an accolade; it’s a call to action for the construction industry. By celebrating individuals like Randy who lead by example, we continue to foster a culture where safety is second nature.

Randy with Kitchell Safety Director, Justin Carr (L), and Kitchell Safety Manager, Chris Spencer (R)

Kitchell invites other industry partners to consider implementing similar programs that recognize and reward safety leaders within their organizations. By highlighting and celebrating exceptional efforts, we can collectively improve safety standards and ensure that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day.

Randy’s contributions remind us that safety is a shared responsibility, and through dedication, innovation, and leadership, we can create environments where everyone thrives. Congratulations to Randy Durston for his outstanding achievements and for setting the standard for safety excellence.