Less Maintenance, Better Security, Insulation

Special-Lite doors

Special-Lite doors offered several benefits to the Union Grove School District, two of which were the saving of time and money.

As with most schools, maintenance and operating budgets at Union Grove School District, in Union Grove, WI. were spread pretty thin. Fortunately, Kurt Jorgensen, director of Operations & Facilities at Union Grove High School, found a way to save time and money, while at the same time improving security, by specifying Special-Lite FRP Doors.

The Union Grove district’s experience with SL-17 FRP Doors started with just one door, years ago. The hollow metal frame in that opening rusted away over time, but the door was still fine. Based on the performance of that door, Kurt convinced the school board to use Special-Lite FRP Doors instead of hollow metal doors, when all exterior doors were replaced in a renovation.

When Kurt learned that Special-Lite can locate proximity card readers inside an FRP door, protecting it from weather and tampering, he specified that option on nine of the new doors. As Kurt puts it, “that’s one less thing for kids to mess with.” Kurt also built in door position sensors so it is known whenever a door is opened, or has been propped open by a student.

After all exterior doors were replaced; Kurt says he could tell that the boilers were running less. On a cold December morning he noticed only one boiler was running, where before there would have been four running. According to Jorgenson, “I can tell by the temperature in the hallways, and teachers are saying that they are warmer. I’m turning down the temperature in their rooms. It is amazing.” Kurt attributes these changes to the replacement of the exterior doors with Special-Lite SL-17 FRP Doors.

When summing up his decision to insist on Special-Lite Doors, Kurt says, “I’m glad we did it. It’s one less headache. I know the doors are going to close every time.”

www.special-lite.com

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • UTampa Breaks Ground on STEM Academic Facility

    The University of Tampa in Tampa, Fla., recently broke ground on one of its largest academic facilities ever, according to a news release. The Dickey Science Innovation Center will measure 153,000 square feet and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • Agricultural Sciences Complex

    Agricultural Sciences Complex

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Agricultural Sciences Complex has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of New Construction.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • CU-Lock Haven Receives $1.75M Gift for New Entrepreneurship, Media Center

    Commonwealth University-Lock Haven in Lock Haven, Penn., recently received a $1.75-million donation from entrepreneur and alumnus Nicholas Subich ’17, according to a university news release. The funds will go toward establishing the Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media, a technology-driven hub for innovation and experiential learning.