Behind The Front Lines - Keeping It All Safe And Clean

This is the second in a series of articles recognizing the importance of Troy Community School District 30-C’s support personnel. The work they do greatly contributes to the education and well-being of our students and often goes unnoticed.

Troy schools could not function without these behind-the-scenes staff. The 39 custodians, specialists, managers and groundskeeper make sure the seven schools and the district’s other buildings are clean and safe and function as they should.

Pre-Covid 19, Troy 30-C custodians had the crucial jobs of keeping up with the district’s extensive cleaning needs, both during the school day and in the evenings. They also handle some maintenance issues in the buildings, assist with inspections, and set up for events, among many other jobs.

“They have the most knowledge of the buildings,” Ben Hettel, Troy Director of Facilities and Operations said. “They have been in all the nooks and crannies.”

This year, the district has gone through phases of remote education, in which students learn at home, and hybrid education, where some students attend school in person and others learn at home.

In addition to their previous duties, Troy custodians now have the added responsibility of preventing the spread of any virus that might enter into the buildings. Special cleaning gear was purchased, including disposal coveralls, fitted masks, face shields, and electrostatic misting machines to help sanitize the schools.

Hettel said their work is unparalleled and that he is even more appreciative of the custodial staff than ever before.

He also praises the other operations staff, one of whom makes sure the buildings have properly functioning water, heat, and cool air, among other necessities. Bob Whaley is Maintenance Specialist of all of the Troy buildings, inside and out. On a given day, he might be in a boiler room, a gymnasium, on a playground or up on a rooftop. He takes care of Troy’s mechanical and plumbing systems, handling maintenance, diagnosing problems, and working with contractors.

Groundskeeper Al Gera also knows Troy’s buildings well. He has almost too many jobs to define his position, and they include delivering inter-school mail, filling potholes, replacing signs, and much more.

Hettel also cites Day Custodian Jim Neal for his proactive nature.

“Jim’s always thinking one step ahead,” Hettel said.

Specialist and Manager, Kerry Rivecco and Tonya French, keep the department organized and the schools functioning and ready for learning.

Hettel said his staff is a dedicated team, detail-oriented and approachable, with good work ethics. They are one team working together, he said, with no one’s role more important than another’s.

“This year, with Covid-19,” Hettel said, “it’s even more challenging. They are working so hard. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve because the work they do is often behind-the-scenes, and I am extremely appreciative of everything they do.”