Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Cleanliness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School committee presses administration over persistent cleanliness issues and Aramark performance
Summary
Board members raised repeated concerns about missing or broken soap dispensers, stained ceiling tiles and torn shower curtains in multiple schools, asked administration for historical spot-check data and clearer contractor oversight, and heard students report lack of hand sanitizer in campus common areas.
The Manchester School Committee spent substantial time pressing the administration on persistent cleanliness and maintenance problems across district buildings, focusing scrutiny on the district’s custodial contractor and internal reporting processes. Board members described repeated instances of broken or missing soap dispensers, stained ceiling tiles and shower curtains in disrepair, and urged clearer follow-up from principals and facilities staff.
"I've seen porta potties that are cleaner, honestly," one board member said, urging a systemic response rather than piecemeal fixes. Assistant administrators told the committee they had asked for past "ghost spot-check" reports and would compile work‑order inputter lists by school so the board could see who is responsible for follow-up. The assistant superintendent said she would provide the historical spot-check data and an inventory of who submits work orders so the board could verify completion rates.
Students who spoke in the meeting reinforced those concerns. Lisonbee Lawton, a student representative, said her school’s janitor "cleans the tables" and praised improvements at her site; other students said hand sanitizer dispensers are often empty or absent. The administration acknowledged the problem and proposed onsite visits with building principals and custodial staff, meetings with Aramark managers and follow-up reporting to the committee.
Committee members asked for concrete next steps: (1) the administration will compile and circulate the last year of spot-check data from each school; (2) principals will be reminded to initiate work orders in Maximo and to follow the reported chain of command; and (3) the custodial contractor and facilities staff will meet with board representatives to clarify service levels and expectations. The board did not take formal action during this discussion but directed staff to return with the requested documentation.
