Board approves METS custodial addendum; community speakers warn of job and benefit losses

The Elizabethtown Area School District board approved an addendum to its custodial services contract with METS that expands METS’ role to include first‑shift custodial work and other remaining tasks, effective June 1, 2026.

A board member said the expansion aligns the contract to what the board previously intended and projected a conservative savings of about $400,000. The addendum passed on a roll‑call vote with all members recorded as voting 'Yes.'

During public comment, multiple speakers urged the board to reconsider outsourcing custodial employees. Sarah Ziders, a parent and community member, said custodial staff “are essential to the daily functioning of our schools” and described facility maintenance problems including sewage backups and numerous dehumidifiers. Melissa Cook, a parent and district support employee, called custodians “the heart and soul of our schools” and expressed concern that retained employees could lose benefits if their employment shifts to an outside vendor.

Board discussion included a clarification from a board member that the change would move custodial employment from district payroll to a private employer and that the primary savings derive from benefits. The board member said staff were not being eliminated but their employment status would change under METS.

Why it matters: The action affects district employees’ employment terms and benefits, and several public commenters warned of negative effects on morale, building upkeep and student experience. The board framed the change as a cost‑saving measure tied to an extensive building project and other budget pressures.

Next steps: The METS addendum takes effect June 1, 2026; the business office will coordinate implementation and any employee transition details.