Organizations around the country come together on October 2 annually to give recognition to some of the most vital members of the workforce— custodians. Often they work diligently to sanitize organizations and schools, and are an essential part of the workforce that keep our communities safe and healthy.
By paying homage to their tireless efforts, National Custodian Day creates an opportunity for the community to give back and this year, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) contributed in a big way.
In appreciation for their service, APS Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle recently announced that all 170 full-time custodians would receive a $1,000 bonus in their September 29 paycheck courtesy of a state allocation of ESSER II (CARES II) funds.
As an extra treat, Dr. Battle also visited Barack & Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO Academy) to deliver the good news first-hand to custodian Darlene Murrah and the members of the custodial staff.
She expressed her gratitude for their hard work and complimented the staff on their ability to uphold the continuous beautification of the school’s facilities.
“We can see the love that you put into cleaning and keeping our facilities clean and the environment healthy,” Dr. Battle said. “And we thank you and all of Atlanta Public Schools custodians.”
Made possible through the request of Georgia State Superintendent Richard Woods, the grant was approved by the Georgia Board of Education for $8,751,579 in ESSER state funds and a portion was used to provide a one-time, $1,000 bonus for school custodians.
It was particularly special for Murrah who recently changed her residence due to rising rental costs. Sharing that the timing was spot on, she intends to utilize the funds to assist with important housing items.
“The bonus helps me because I need it for some things that I want to do in my apartment,” Murray said.
Murray went on to express her heartfelt gratitude for receiving recognition regarding something she’s passionate about.
“It means a whole lot to me,” Murray said. “I love the kids. I love to clean up. I just love doing what I do every day. That’s what makes me come here.”
BAMO Academy students Damarius Harris and Genevieve DeCriscio, attested to the care and attention their custodial staff exhibit daily.
“I can reassure you, our janitors are always on the move,” fifth grader Harris said. “The cafeteria, they clean that. They always are working the hallways. This is a really clean place, and I love it.”
“Our classrooms are very clean,” third grader DeCriscio added. “Everything is clean because our nice janitor cleans [for] us, and I love that [Murrah] does that for us.”
Directly following the announcement, Murrah led Dr. Battle and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Timothy Gadson on a tour of BAMO Academy, sharing with them the custodial team’s daily tasks and methods for cultivating a tidy and sanitized environment.
BAMO Academy principal Dr. Robin Christian was excited to honor the custodians and expressed her gratitude for Murray’s ability to be a major asset to the faculty and staff with her caring disposition.
“She helps me as a principal,” Dr. Christian said. “There are days I look beyond the scope of her work. There are days where she would just come in and say, ‘Principal Christian, how are you doing?’ And so I think about the work that she does beyond the scope of keeping the building clean.”
Although the bonus served as a one-time payment, APS is optimistic for future opportunities to support its students, families and staff.
“We know those funds are coming to an end and that funding source won’t be there. But we do hope the state continues a program like this.” Dr. Gadson said.
APS encourages you to participate in showing your scholar’s school custodians how valued they are by saying thank you or doing something nice for them.
1. Barack and Michelle Obama Academy principal Dr. Robin Christian, with BAMO Academy students, Interim Superintendent Dr. Battle, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gadson, and APS central staffers. 2. Custodian Darlene Murrah gave Dr. Battle and Dr. Gadson a tour of BAMO Academy. 3-5. Dr. Battle was greeted by BAMO Academy dancers and cheerleaders, and visited several classrooms. Photo by Allison M. Slocum/APS
