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Daniel “DJ” Matheney has helped reduce open plumbing work orders across Fairfax County Public Schools by more than 50%, improving response times while limiting emergency repairs and costs.
The plumbing supervisor at the Edison Support Center was named the FCPS Honors 2025 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Operational Employee for his work supporting school facilities and developing his team.
Matheney oversees systems serving classrooms, kitchens, restrooms, and common areas. His emphasis on preventive maintenance, modern tools, and updated procedures has helped staff identify problems earlier and complete troubleshooting and repairs more efficiently.
Those changes have kept critical plumbing systems operating reliably while reducing the risk that minor problems will grow into disruptions affecting students, employees, and families.
Training and emergency preparedness
Matheney, who has more than 20 years of field experience, also mentors employees and encourages open communication, continuing education, and professional certification.
His work has extended beyond the plumbing department. While helping with the hands-on portion of confined-space certification training for the Office of Facilities Management, Matheney volunteered to audit equipment in confined-space trailers at multiple FCPS support centers.
He created detailed documentation to improve consistency and readiness across the school division. The audits also identified aging equipment that needed replacement, strengthening safety and emergency preparedness for facilities teams.
Matheney has completed numerous professional learning courses and is participating in the Seven Competencies Strong cohort. He has also applied to join the Near-Term Future Leader cohort.
Facilities management director Brady Rauch said Matheney “exemplifies the highest level of professionalism, leadership, and commitment to service.”
Matheney’s work largely takes place behind the scenes, but its effects reach schools across the division through safer buildings, faster service, and better-prepared facilities employees.