- October 23, 2024
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Volusia County Schools took a moment at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to recognize two division that work at the district behind-the-scenes: Custodial Services and Warehouse.
The school district launched its in-house custodial staff pilot program in 2021. The initiative was pushed due to complaints of cleanliness at schools by VCS employees and School Board members, as well as failed core inspections.
At the recent board meeting, Chief Operating Officer Patty Corr commended the work of the custodial and warehouse teams, stating she was copied on two inspections that day, the results of which scored high.
"There's not enough time in the world for me to recognize this operations team in full," Corr said.
Rodney Smith, director of Maintenance and Operations, said the team was selfless, answering the call whenever a school needs help.
"It does not matter if it's one school at a time, two schools at a time, these guys will travel across the district to make sure that our facilities are up to par for our staff and our students," Smith said.
School Board member Ruben Colon said bringing the custodians in-house, rather than using a contractor, is one of the board's greatest accomplishments.
"Everybody is proud," he said. "They're a part of their school. ... Thank you, not only to you all, but to each and every custodian who gives their everything to ensure that our students have a safe school and a clean school."
School Board Chair Jaime Haynes agreed. Outsourcing the custodial work was one of the most difficult issues for schools to deal with.
"I am so thankful that we brought all of them back in and that they're now back as a part of our family," Haynes said.
The board's recognition of the Warehouse Division included kudos for helping to set up the district's two newest rebuilt schools: Tomoka Elementary and Turie T. Small Elementary. The division also helped to relocate Riverview Learning Center to the former Osceola Elementary campus, moved 1,584 desks and chairs for the district's rezoning project and emptied 10 portables set for demolition or relocation.
"Their day starts off at 5 o'clock in the morning, maybe 4:30 a.m.," Smith said. "They touch every single campus, every single day and their strategic planning is just amazing."
Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said that the board sees their efforts and values them.
"You're the behind-the-scenes servant leaders each and every day for our students, and it takes everyone doing their part, but what we admire the most about each and every one of you, is the heart to serve," Balgobin said. "It's the spirit that you employ and embody each and every day for every assignment, every task that you confront."
And, the attitude they display when completing their tasks.
"In those three areas, you excel — you exceed," Balgobin said.
