Letter to the editor: Opposition to outsourcing custodial services

Thu, 04/03/2014 - 4:45pm

We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the custodial staff at Camden Rockport Elementary School.  They are an integral part of the daily functions of our school as well as an invaluable part of what goes on here at CRES.   The custodial/maintenance staff perform so many helpful tasks in one day it would be near impossible to name them all.

Recently we unexpectedly had to move our whole classroom in one day. The custodial staff came to help and assist and ask questions so that all things could be organized for us for when we were back from February vacation. They went above and beyond our expectations. At lunchtime the cafeteria is challenging, at best.  Bob and Jan Calderwood are kind to staff and students alike, patient and helpful with whatever anyone within earshot or view  may need.  Whether it be a bandaid, a cleanup, help opening a milk, or a lunch item to be opened, they are more than willing to pitch in. 

We feel honored to have such capable, kind and caring staff around us from floor to ceiling in our school and count our custodial/maintenance staff among the best to be found.

Thank you for your time and please recognize the value of keeping our staff as is and not considering outsourcing to unknown entities. There is much to be said for stability within the walls of every school in our district. The cohesive feeling of familiarity and family helps staff and student alike.

 

  Leeanna Cloutier, Jessica Smith, Electa Cerce, Sharon Pratt are all staff members at Camden-Rockport Elementary School in Rockport.