Board approves hiring process for full‑time custodial coordinator after 'C' cleanliness average

Stephen King presented results from a third‑party cleanliness inspection of 13 district facilities, saying the review used a five-point A–D scale and produced four A’s, three B’s, three C’s and three D’s for an average overall grade of C.

King described the custodial workforce—71 custodians (24 full‑time, 47 part‑time)—and explained the district lacks a single experienced manager for custodial operations. He proposed creating a full‑time custodial coordinator position (budgeted at about $60,000 with benefits). King said the district could reassign funds and use previously earmarked savings to cover roughly $50,248 and that the incremental cost this year would be about $10,000; he argued that improved cleaning, tighter chemical inventory control and managed service delivery could offset that expense over time.

Board members raised accountability questions—who custodians would report to, how principals would remain involved and whether a new coordinator might generate friction with long‑tenured custodians. King described a partnership model in which custodians remain assigned to principals while the coordinator supports training, standardization, inventory and summer facility care. Board members asked whether the new coordinator could replace the third‑party inspector; King recommended the coordinator accompany the inspector initially to learn the program and possibly assume internal inspections later.

Mr. Tillman moved and Mr. Etheridge seconded a motion to accept the recommendation to create the custodial coordinator position. The motion passed on an affirmative voice vote. Board members asked staff to provide regular updates on cleanliness and implementation once the position is posted and filled.