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Board hears problems with custodial and transportation staffing, tradeoffs of contracted services
Summary
Board members and staff discussed persistent custodial and transportation staffing shortages that led the district to use a custodial contract. Staff said contracts supply equipment and cleaning supplies but cost more than in-house labor; the district reported it will stop using contract subs and continue hiring where applicants apply.
Board discussion turned to ongoing custodial and contracted‑services difficulties, long‑standing vacancies and how the district is balancing cost, service and available labor.
Several board members and staff described a tight local labor market for custodians and bus drivers. Operations staff said the district contracted custodial services after repeated vacancies and difficulty finding applicants; the contract bundles supplies and equipment as part of the service. The district reported the custodial contract is annual and includes renewal options; staff said the contract has a cap on the number of contract workers the district can request.
Members said contracted crews sometimes leave gaps — principals and occasional staff drew on internal efforts to maintain campuses when contractor schedules did not match needs. A board member asked whether the district could return to in‑house staffing; staff cautioned that returning would require reworking supply and equipment procurement and that there is no guarantee of finding the required workforce.
Staff said they plan to stop using subcontracted temporary custodial “subs” from the vendor pool because those arrangements add cost; the district will rely on its contracted crew and internal staff adjustments while continuing to recruit permanent custodians. Board members and staff discussed examples of principals and staff pitching in to keep campuses maintained during shortages.
The conversation also covered contracted transportation groups. Operations staff said some contract providers bring their own buses and drivers, which raises competitive pressures and affects the district’s ability to match cost and service. One board member described the district’s contracted transportation cost increase versus last year and asked whether staffing or downsizing options should be considered; staff said they are tracking contracted transportation expenses and vacancies and will report back.
No contract renewal or termination vote occurred in the work session. Staff said they would return to the board with contract documentation and options at the next meetings so the board can consider cost, service levels and staffing implications.
