Custodians stay very busy throughout the year, and summer is no exception.
They keep the buildings clean and safe while school is in session and make sure a variety of school improvement projects are completed in June, July and August.
Trantwood Elementary Head Custodian Barbara Williams said her staff is working hard to make sure the school is in tip-top shape before teachers and students return.
“We are busy, busy, busy!” she said.
They are in the process of stripping and waxing the floors in the entire school. That means bookcases and cabinets filled with books and supplies must be protected and covered with paper, and possibly moved. Carpets, including the school library, have been shampooed.
Williams has worked for Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 16 years, including the past nine at Trantwood. She misses the children and teachers during the summer. “They show the custodians a lot of respect for the work we do in the school,” she said.
Principal Sean Holleran praised the custodial staff at Trantwood and other schools.
“One of the most important components for student and staff success is a positive, welcoming and clean environment to work and learn in while at school,” he said.
Trantwood was one of about 20 schools to have gym floors screened and recoated this summer. Five elementary schools — Pembroke, Providence, Rosemont, Seatack and Thalia — had gym floors replaced with resilient flooring.
Great Neck Middle also had its two gym floors refinished. Head custodian Oliver Joyner said working during the summer is rewarding.
“This is when we can really make the building shine,” he said.
The school has been deep-cleaned and floors in the entire three-story building stripped and waxed. Furniture was removed and put back in place. Carpets in the media center, chorus, band and orchestra rooms have also been cleaned. Light bulbs have been changed, ceiling tiles replaced, painting touched up, and more.
In addition, Joyner and staff kept the building clean while approximately 300 students attended summer school. Principal Paige Scherr said the custodians are appreciated.
“Preparing the buildings for the new year over the summer is difficult under normal circumstances,” she said. Custodial staffs “are the rocks for our school system” and provide students and teachers an environment in which to thrive, she added.
Joyner has been with VBCPS for 34 years and enjoys the job he has held since the school opened in 2012. “I’m a people person,” he said. He likes the family atmosphere. “I love coming to work; we have a good crew,” he said.
Director of Custodial and Distribution Services Sam Nix said a multitude of projects have been completed or are still underway. In addition to gym flooring, the list includes items such as painting and replacements of roofs, fire alarms, phone systems and HVAC.
“As summer programs continue to expand, the challenges to get the schools ready for the fall increase,” Nix said.
The staff always rise to the challenge through teamwork and proper planning, he added.
Williams and Joyner said their schools will be ready for approximately 550 and 1,100 students respectively when they return to school for the 2024-25 school year.
Joyner said he’s excited to welcome students back. “You build relationships,” he said.
Williams agreed. “It’s so peaceful around here, but I do miss them,” she said.
Interested in a rewarding career as part of our school communities? Visit https://www.vbschools.com/careers to learn more about our custodial and other job opportunities.
