By Katie Northcott, News Director
On Thursday, June 4, Bedford County Schools (BCS) announced that Director of Maintenance Daniel Kleindienst is retiring after 27 years of service at BCS.
Find more details in the press release below:
Bedford County Schools (BCS) is honored to celebrate the remarkable career and retirement of Daniel Kleindienst, director of maintenance, who is concluding 27 years of exemplary service to the school district, the students and the families it serves.
Throughout his tenure, Kleindienst has established an outstanding safety record with zero serious on-the-job injuries among his team while transforming the district’s facilities management operations into a model of excellence. His leadership has been marked by transformative accomplishments that have strengthened schools and enhanced learning environments for thousands of students.
“Daniel’s impact on BCS extends far beyond the buildings and grounds he has expertly maintained,” said BCS Incoming Superintendent of Schools Tim Harwell. “His commitment to excellence, safety and fiscal stewardship has set the standard for what dedicated public service looks like.”
Kleindienst’s accomplishments speak to his unwavering dedication to the district:
- Safety Excellence – Zero serious workplace injuries and consistently outstanding TOSHA inspections;
- Regulatory Leadership – Transformed fire marshal inspection findings from hundreds of
violations to zero – earning Bedford County Schools recognition as the #1 school system in the state for zero negative findings in multiple years; - Capital Project Management – Managed numerous major facility improvements and expansions, including the construction of football fields at Liberty and Community Schools and a complete remodeling of Central Office;
- Operational Innovation – Established the district’s first Refrigeration Technology position and consistently identified opportunities for energy cost savings;
- Servant Leadership – Built and mentored an exceptional facilities team grounded in integrity, loyalty and excellence.
Kleindienst’s philosophy centered on leading with both gentleness and resolve, always striving to serve others and make their work easier. His deep respect for his team and genuine care for the entire school community created a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.
“I learned that my people respect and appreciate loyalty and honesty,” Kleindienst reflected. “Surrounding yourself with good people and having the sense to listen to their advice — that is the golden answer.”
As Kleindienst enters this new chapter, he looks forward to traveling across the country on his Indian Roadmaster motorcycle with his wife, spending cherished time with his four grandchildren, pursuing his passion for songwriting and sharing adventures on his YouTube channel “Better Together.” He also plans to maintain his connection to the district through occasional visits with the facilities team he helped build.
“I honestly don’t want to leave,” he shared, “but I feel God is leading me to a new chapter. This job and the people have truly been a blessing for me and my family.”
Bedford County Schools is deeply grateful for Kleindienst’s 27 years of dedicated service, his unwavering commitment to student safety and success and the exceptional foundation he has built for the district’s future. His legacy will continue to benefit students and staff for generations to come.
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