School Cleaning Crisis Sparks Urgent Accountability Debate

During a recent government meeting, board members raised significant concerns regarding the cleanliness and supply management at Pender County Schools, particularly in relation to the contracted cleaning service, HES. The discussions highlighted a series of complaints from parents and staff about inadequate supplies and poor maintenance in school facilities.

Board members expressed frustration over reports of empty soap dispensers and insufficient cleaning supplies, with one member noting a visit to a school where only one box of soap was available for hundreds of students. The dialogue revealed a complex supply chain issue, where consumable items like soap and paper towels are provided by the school district, while cleaning supplies are ordered by HES. William Bishop, the district manager for HES, clarified that the responsibility for ordering consumables lies with the Pender County Schools, which places orders bi-monthly based on needs communicated by school custodians.

The meeting also addressed accountability systems for reporting cleanliness issues. Board members questioned how teachers could effectively communicate problems, such as dirty bathrooms or lack of supplies, to ensure timely resolutions. Suggestions included implementing an anonymous reporting system similar to those used for bullying, allowing teachers to report issues without disrupting their teaching responsibilities.

Bishop acknowledged the challenges faced at Topsail High School, which has been particularly problematic due to its high student population and usage. He mentioned efforts to increase staffing and pay rates to attract better cleaning personnel, as well as extending cleaning hours to weekends to maintain cleanliness during high-traffic periods.

The board concluded the meeting with a commitment to revisit the issues in a future session, emphasizing the need for improved communication and accountability between HES and school administrators to enhance the overall cleanliness and functionality of school facilities.