Last month, many emails were sent out about needing janitorial services. Last year, we had a few janitors retire, and we’ve had a few more leave us throughout this school year. Recently, we’ve had low numbers and not enough after hours workers. Luckily, there have been a few students and staff members who have decided that they were able to take a few hours out of their day to help. The janitors get paid $12 an hour, and most of the helpers work from 3:30 to 5:30. Right now, the only student workers are Austin Hanson and Kirby Davis. Maggie Westhoff is a second grade teacher who has also chosen to help out the school by doing a little bit of extra cleaning after school. 

For Kirby and Austin, they felt like it was just the job for them. They agreed that the job has good hours, and it is really nice to already be at work without having a big commute. Kirby stated, “The school is a familiar environment. It’s nice to not have to get used to a new place.” Working right after school helps the hours go by quickly, and it still provides plenty of time after school and work to have for personal needs. 

Mrs. Westhoff opted to help out a little bit after school by cleaning her own room and the rooms surrounding it. For Mrs. Westhoff, it seemed like an easy yes while the school was on their search for more janitorial staff members because she likes to clean her room anyway. She and the boys all focus on vacuuming, wiping down tables, and emptying the trash on the elementary side of the school. Jeff and Gabriel are the full-time janitors and they focus more on the high school side.

While the school is still in search of more janitors, it is nice that a few people had the time and have chosen to step up to help out our entire school. Learning in a clean environment is not something we should take for granted. The work that our janitors put in is very appreciated.

UPDATE: At the October school board meeting, it was decided that Southeast of Saline will be hiring an outside cleaning service to fill the long-standing janitorial void. This decision was made after the resignation of Lori Rook and James Seidel.