As the school undergoes construction on several fronts this year, custodians have had to modify their routines.
Tiffany Turnage said the construction prompted custodians to “pivot’ toward new responsibilities, like cleaning leftover debris. She sees the custodial staff and the contractors as one team.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Turnage said. “When the contractors leave, we are willing to assist and help out in any way.”
Turnage was a refinery worker until 18 years ago, when she made her way to the District 7 custodial staff. Her colleague Linda Downing cleaned houses for most of her life before coming to the district two years ago.
Downing said there’s something special about knowing she’s helping kids learn. For her, cleaning construction messes is just another part of that.
Custodians, Downing included, were responsible for wiping down a dusty main gym after construction workers pulled the floor up. It took time, according to Downing, and it can be taxing to “reset” an area after construction disrupts it.
But the job extends beyond dust and debris. Downing said custodial staff are responsible for making sure the now-closed bathrooms on the first floor remain locked when necessary. And they clean the temporary replacement bathrooms outside the school.
“It just makes it a little tougher on us, but it gives us insight into what [the school] is going to be,” Downing said. “We do our best and don’t give up. Every corner you turn, it’s another one, another mess. But it’s all for the future, so it’s worth it.”
The construction hasn’t affected dishwasher Al Buggs as much as his colleagues who work outside the dishroom, closer to the construction.
“It’s smooth. It’s cool,” Buggs said. “Everybody gets along. That’s no problem. That’s the best thing about it.”
Downing said her student-first mindset has helped her adapt to small changes this year.
“I’m just doing it for them,” Downing said. “I see their struggle through what they do, and [I’m] just trying to help their day to where it’s all clean.”
To Downing, the atmosphere in which teens learn matters. And without diligent custodians, it could be interrupted by messy distractors.
“You don’t have to worry about clutter, dirt, filth,” Downing said. “A clean environment makes everything so much smoother.”