Orange County Public Schools

Retirement Corner

OCPS Carpenter Constructs a Career

By Sandra Carr

Building and installing doors, repairing facilities and constructing portables are just some of the tasks carpenter David Bertram has performed for more than 35 years with OCPS.

Bertram has called Central Florida home since the early 1960s. His parents relocated to Winter Park from Fair Lawn, New Jersey when he was four years old.

Ever since Bertram was a child, he has always been fascinated with building forts and other structures, and later received a carpentry degree from Seminole State College of Florida in 1984.

OCPS was his first carpentry job, and he is grateful for the opportunity to use his craft to help keep the district’s schools fully functional.

“I have been fortunate over the years to work with people who were willing to teach, and provide me with the chance to hone my skills,” said Bertram.

Former OCPS carpenter and locksmith Ron Howard Sr. mentored and took Bertram under his wing when he first came on board. He taught him how to hang doors and provided insight on the door and hardware industry.

Throughout his career, Bertram has worked on capital improvement projects and various duties in the Maintenance Northeast department but enjoyed building and repairing portables most of all.

He also received the Facilities department’s Stellar Award in January 2021 and January 2022 for his hard work and dedication to the school district.

After he turns in his work vehicle and keys at University High School, where he is stationed in the district, he will be hiking with friends on the Appalachian Trail in April.

Bertram has been an avid hiker since the late 1990s. His goal is to finish the hike where he left off in Massachusetts years ago. He has nearly 700 miles to go before he completes his long-awaited journey in Maine.

Upcoming Virtual Workshops via WebEx:

Nov. 2, 5-6:30 p.m.:
Real World Retirement Planning – Your Three-Legged Stool!
https://bit.ly/3MHUPSw

Nov. 9, 5-7 p.m.:
Planning for Your Retirement
https://bit.ly/3s3eRNz

Nov. 16, 5-6:30 p.m.:
Estate Planning for Busy People!
https://bit.ly/3SJ0F7o

Retiree: David Bertram
Years with OCPS: 37
OCPS Retirement Date: October 31, 2022