Riverside Unified’s maintenance and operations director gave trustees a detailed report Thursday on changes the district has implemented to improve restroom cleanliness and safety after student complaints prompted a review.
Director of Maintenance and Operations Sam Prizzi and his team described a multi‑pronged approach that included increased cleaning frequency, new high‑quality fixtures, privacy panel retrofits, automated cleaning equipment and staff training. Prizzi said the district trained custodial staff in July using vendor partners and that crews now clean restrooms with higher‑efficiency tools that reduce contact while improving sanitization.
The district also rolled out operational and technology changes: QR codes posted near restrooms allow students to report maintenance or behavioral problems (anonymous reporting is available), and exterior cameras were installed outside restroom entrances to log who enters and to detect suspicious activity without recording private interior spaces. Prizzi said camera installation has been completed at all high schools and is extending into middle schools.
Other steps include expanded supervision during peak times, replenished supplies and new hand‑drying and toilet fixtures intended to reduce vandalism and service outages. The facilities director said many out‑of‑service fixtures were prioritized and repaired before the first day of school and that campuses now maintain a higher proportion of open restroom stalls during instruction and lunch.
Trustees and student board member Jessica Salas praised the work and asked how the district will monitor ongoing performance. Prizzi said custodial crews aim for multiple daytime walk‑throughs — roughly three during instructional hours plus evening checks — and that the district is developing dashboard metrics to track restroom availability and work‑order response times. Student representatives said they had seen visible improvements at schools where pilot work was completed.
The board heard a vendor and several custodial staff members praise the district’s equipment testing and staff training. Trustees thanked the operations staff and asked for periodic follow‑up reports and metrics showing sustained improvements.