Board approves partial outsourcing of custodial services with 4M Solutions beginning April 1

The Huntsville School District board voted to contract with 4M Solutions to provide custodial services at the Huntsville middle school and high school beginning April 1, while maintaining existing custodial staff at other campuses.

District leaders described persistent hiring challenges and a staffing gap between the 24 custodial positions needed to cover district square footage and the roughly 14 custodians currently employed. "We can't cover everything," maintenance staff member Dwight (presenting) said, describing long background-check waits and applicants who accept other offers before starting.

The board discussed multiple bids. The proposal approved was a partial contract with 4M Solutions at roughly $19,155 per month; district staff recommended outsourcing only the campuses with the greatest shortfall so the district could retain experienced custodial workers at smaller campuses such as Saint Paul. The contract includes purchasing chemicals and waxing services; 4M will run background checks and provide staff badges compatible with the district's access system.

Superintendent Bruce Dunlap said the district will keep three custodial staff at Saint Paul and shift other Huntsville custodians across elementary campuses; the outside contractor will provide lead supervision between buildings and a single point of contact for issues. The district also negotiated a 30-day termination clause to revert services if performance is unsatisfactory.

The board approved the contract on a motion and voice vote. Board members asked staff to monitor service quality closely and to document any savings or operational impacts before committing to a longer-term contract in July when a year-long contract will be considered.