The custodial staff members at Luverne Public Schools say they are only doing their jobs, but the Luverne Education Association said they go above and beyond normal duties in their support of public education.
The 14 full- and part-time custodians were selected as the 2023 LEA Friends of Education Monday afternoon at an ice cream social to kick off American Education Week at Luverne schools.
“Because of these guys’ work and dedication, it makes my job easy,” said Cory Schmuck, buildings and grounds supervisor.
The custodians also make teachers’ jobs easier in the 420,000-square-foot elementary and middle-high school facilities, according to nominations submitted to the LEA selection committee.
“The custodians are wonderful. So much of what they do often goes unnoticed,” wrote one nominator.
“Besides taking care of the classrooms and hallways day-to-day, they are the ones setting up for concerts, games, events and other activities. They are the silent heroes that make our school a wonderful place.”
Other comments echoed these sentiments.
“They take tremendous pride in the school and work hard to keep it clean and safe.”
Some were more specific. For example: “The custodians are very helpful in helping unlock doors in the morning for students as well as cleaning snow off the parking lots.”
And: “(They are) always willing to go out of their way to help students. Example: Looking everywhere (basement) for a certain size lightbulb for a project.”
This year, student comments joined those of the teaching staff.
“Janitors have helped me and countless other students get their lockers open when the code slips our minds. Being a janitor is a thankless job and it takes a very special person to do it.”
At Monday’s plaque presentation in the middle-high school commons, the janitorial staff at the event received a standing ovation and applause.
Custodians and their years of service include Randy DeSplinter (10 years), Jason Brecher (12 years), Barry Shelton (11 years), Dwight Smedsrud (11 years), Ron Stuckenbroker (9 years), Kirk Terrio (3 years), Beryl Moser (1 year), Britton Stratton (1 year), Connor Gumto (6 years), Jonathon Dolo (1 year), David Cutshaw (1 year) and Cory Schmuck (1 1/2 years).
The LEA also honored the 2023 Teacher of the Year at Monday’s event. (see related story).