school cleanliness

[lad]

Has anyone else noticed the filth in the schools?  I have overheard visitors at sporting events commet on this and recently was in the high school auditorium for a dance presentation and was embarrassed. The stage and steps are covered with dirt and grit. There was garbage all over the floor and programs from a choir festival on the floor. I brought a relative and she couldn't believe it! I have been at many other schools in and out of our district including TPS and our school is by far the worst I've seen and getting worse. What is going on? Do they need some parents to come in and volunteer to clean the place up? I would think that the children with severe allergies would have a hard time with this too!

[KeepItPositive]

I'm sure volunteers are always appreciated, you could probably call the school and ask.  I imagine some of this problem may have to do with the budget cutbacks at school in the custodial department and a limit on overtime for special events.  I think the organizations, teams, etc. using that auditorium, cafeterias, gym, ball fields, etc. should be responsible for cleaning them up and making them useable for the next group.

[cmorebs]

Are you kidding me - there is more than enough time for the custodians to clean their assigned school. Perhaps if they all "worked" the entire time they are scheduled the schools would be cleaner.

[Buddy]

Here is part of the problem.  The cleaning is done by workers who are in unions.  If anyone else cleans, they can file a grievance because it is their work and they could miss out on overtime.  They would win the grievance and get paid for doing nothing.

[BHS Grad]

WOW- another problem with unions?  Hmmm, remind me again what happened with the auto industry in Michigan because too many workers took advantage of the fact that they belong to a union?

I really hope that is not the problem.  And, I want to believe that the custodians are doing the best job they can. 

My daughter's pre-school teacher tells her kids, "if you want to be a truck driver, then that's great, just be the best truck driver you can be."  And she means it. 

Is there anyone on the "inside" that can comment on this, instead of all of us just speculating?

[Stop the Looting]

I agree, the inside story would be nice. If it is a budget issue, then they should allow us to voluteer. If it is a work ethics issue, jobs should roll. Plenty of broom worthy people out there could use a job.

[dmjroe]

Maybe the students can do some cleaning?!  I wouldn't have a problem if they asked my child to do some picking up or cleaning.  I'd probably volunteer - it would be cheaper.

[Stop the Looting]

I attended Wisconsin Schools when I wasa younger, the education there was at that time considered top notch.

We were each assigned certain days to stay after lunch was over a clean the lunch room. Even though we were kids we didn't mind the work, actually we hoped we were given the job of pushing the big broom.

Problem is today the union would fight it all the way.

Can I get three cheers for the public sector?

No?

I didn't think so.

[Buddy]

Maybe it would help if kids picked up after themselves.  How many times have we seen kids throw things out the window of a car (don't jump on me for that I know adults do too.)  They drop bags from fast food restaurants in the middle of the street as they walk.  I can, therefore only imagine what the school looks like since these are some of the same kids. 

[KeepItPositive]

I attended Wisconsin Schools when I wasa younger, the education there was at that time considered top notch.

We were each assigned certain days to stay after lunch was over a clean the lunch room. Even though we were kids we didn't mind the work, actually we hoped we were given the job of pushing the big broom.

Problem is today the union would fight it all the way.

Can I get three cheers for the public sector?

No?

I didn't think so.

Unions aren't the problem.  You can thank our overly litigious society.  Lawyers are looking for any loophole to sue the big pockets of schools, etc. that would try something innovative like this.

[Focus08]

First, I'm with Buddy, grime is one thing, trash is another...and yes the custodians have had big cut backs.