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Operations department highlights custodial certifications, in‑house facility upgrades and improved retention
Summary
Director Gary Getz reported custodial staff achievements (gold‑seal certifications and MSPMA core certification), recent in‑house facilities projects at Matthews and at the high‑school throwing area, and said custodial vacancies have stabilized with four openings and active recruitment.
Gary Getz, director of operations for the district, presented a two‑year program evaluation for the operations department and highlighted staff professional development, facility projects and staffing status.
Getz said custodian professional development has been a priority. He told the board the district now has six custodians who have earned a DESE‑associated gold‑seal award after completing workshops and an essay review process. He also noted that custodial supervisor training under the Missouri School Plant Management Association (MSPMA) has produced a new graduate, naming Dave Figgins as having completed the MSPMA core certification program.
Getz reviewed recent in‑house projects: carpet replacement and interior upgrades performed over summers, a substantial renovation of the Matthews gym, and construction of a new shot‑put, discus and javelin throwing area at the high school that he said coaches from other districts have complimented. He said the improvements were coordinated with school coaches and building staff and largely completed by district personnel.
On staffing, Getz said custodial openings have stabilized compared with prior years. The department currently has four custodial vacancies and four applications under review; earlier years averaged five to seven openings. A night custodian recently resigned for family reasons and will leave the state, he said; interviews for replacements are scheduled. Getz said recruitment and retention have improved as the district became more competitive with salaries and that the operations team has recruited candidates from nearby districts.
Getz described ongoing priorities for the next two to five years: continuing professional development, supporting upcoming capital projects and developing leadership within the department. Board members asked clarifying questions about the DESE training content, lead custodial roles and the status of staffing at the early‑childhood facility; Getz said the district requires employees to be employed for one year before attending some training and that the early‑childhood site is a current recruiting priority.
Board members thanked Getz for the report and for the department's work on in‑house projects and staff development.
