Opinion

Mon, 04/07/2014 - 1:30pm

SAD 28 personnel

It may be easy to use a calculator to answer the question of whether or not to outsource School Administrative District 28 custodial services as a way to save costs. However, the answer needs to address a much deeper and more significant question: What is the value that our custodians provide to the community at Camden-Rockport Elementary School?

What is the value of a kindergartener getting off the bus every morning and being greeted by name by the burly bearded friend they know as Bob?

What is the value of Jan promising to take a perpetually tardy student out to raise the flag in the morning if he promised to arrive at school on time?

What is the value of having John acknowledging a student's positive behavior by working together on small maintenance tasks?

What is the value of Ashley, Mark and Patty consistently asking staff if there is anything we need?

What is the value of Greg explaining about the use geothermal technology to heat our school to a fourth grade science class?

Some answers are as simple as comparing crunched numbers on a spreadsheet; others are not quite so uncomplicated.

Our custodians are a fundamental part of the daily life at CRES. They take personal pride in the cleanliness and health of our building. Our school runs smoothly because they care about our school and everyone who is a part of it. Our custodians perform much more than the job descriptions that guide their daily tasks. They've developed strong connections with students. They are dedicated to the health and safety of our children. They are mentors and partners in education. What is that worth?

Please support the custodial staff in our district by taking a stand against outsourcing.

Lauren Brampton

Pam Currier

Kristi Hardy-Gilson

Deb Ithomitis

Steve Seidell

Kitty Foss

Gail Richards

Deb Meservey

Rachel Gross

Margaret Page

Joyce Bedford