MARK LUETKE
LOOKING SIDEWAYS

Sylvania’s school students return to their classrooms this week. Most are looking forward to meeting their principals, teachers, bus drivers, building aides – and even the lunch ladies. Yet one group of staff often overlooked by the kids (and parents) on opening day is among the most important: the custodians.
Julie Hoffman, longtime member of the Sylvania Board of Education (and current president) feels this is unfortunate. “We have 12 schools and two additional buildings in our district, and keeping those facilities clean and sanitary is extremely important to the health and safety of our students, staff and visitors. Our custodial staff is an integral part of all our buildings,” she says.
“Every Sylvania school will look and feel fresh and clean when the students and teachers arrive on their first day,” adds Dawn Watson, the district’s director of custodial services. “People think our custodians take the summer off, but in fact they have spent those months taking each building apart and cleaning every classroom from ceiling to floor, plus all of the furniture, and then put them back together before classes start.”
“It’s hard for a teacher to be effective in a dirty facility…and hard for children to learn…because it’s a distraction,” Watson observes. “Students do better in a clean building in terms of taking care of books and equipment and being responsible for their behavior. That’s why students returning to our schools this week will find buildings that look spotless and smell fresh.”
In an effort to give Sylvania’s unsung heroes a boost for their hard work, Dawn instituted a program four years ago called “Kudos for Custodians.” It highlights her team’s good work based on nominations from students, staff, parents and the community. Any one of the district’s 56 contract custodians and 20 substitutes can be nominated.
Tracy Sowers received her “Kudos” last month. She oversees a team of eight custodians at Southview, where she has worked since 2008. “We always have gotten great respect from our principal, parents, and the teaching staff. They always include us when they plan new projects; we feel part of the team—like family,” she told me.
Tracy adds that veteran faculty members at Southview tell new teachers that they should always want the custodians to be on their side because they can be so helpful. “I knew the ‘Kudos’ program existed for a few years,” she said, “and getting it myself is a nice pat on the back.”
Kasey Vens has been principal at Southview for nine years, and he emphasized the diverse contributions Tracy and the building custodians provide. “We’re not just talking about cleaning toilets in this job. People don’t realize the logistics that go into a school day or week in a building this size, Vens stated. “There are so many events now– both before and after school–and without the custodians here to help me coordinate all the activities I couldn’t do it. They are the ones that know the ins and outs of the facility, what the room capacities are, what can be done in a certain amount of time to turn over a room and make our schedule feasible. As the coordinator, Tracy always understands what we need when we give her a new project, and she says ‘let me see what I can make happen.’”
One of the first of the custodial staff to receive “Kudos” was Dean Barrett, who has worked the afternoon/evening shift for two years at Central Trail elementary. Previously he spent four years at Southview and five on the district’s grounds crew—following 20 years in an auto parts manufacturing plant.
“Central Trail is the district’s largest elementary building (650 students), and my specific job is to clean the fourth and fifth grade wing every night,” Dean said. “We keep everything there in shape, but also ensure building security overnight…making sure all the people here for evening extracurriculars are out before we lock up. The biggest challenge, though, is dealing with the elements: snow removal, shoveling, salting in the winter…and sand tracked in during the spring.”
Dean’s principal, Nathan Blust, told me that Dean often goes above and beyond what his job description requires. “Last year we received a grant to purchase archery equipment for gym class. On his own time, Dean set out the mats and set up backdrops so the students could use the equipment indoors. He often takes care of things he doesn’t have to do.”
“The custodial office shares a hallway with our building’s special education classes. These are students with special needs,” Blust says. “Some are non-verbal or autistic, or in wheelchairs. Yet many students with the highest needs tend to bond with the custodial staff.”
Adds Dean, “The best part of the job is all the kids. They light up when they see you and want to say ‘hi’ and talk. You could have a bad day, and before the bus comes for pickup a few students will come down to the custodial office and just want to talk. That puts a smile on your face; it changes your whole mood.”
Recently, “Kudos for Custodians” was recognized internationally by “Cleaning and Maintenance Management” magazine. In a full-page story, it praised the school district and Ms. Watson. “Kudos for Custodians celebrates the often-overlooked heroes of education,” it said. “While the critical role custodians play in education often goes unnoticed, the Sylvania School District prioritizes celebrating their value.”
Longtime Sylvania resident Mark Luetke has served on city council, the board of education, and numerous foundation and community boards.