One very special long-time school custodian was chosen recently by the Vermont Department of Education and Vermont School Custodians and Maintenance Association (VSCMA) as Vermont’s School Custodian of the Year. The 2010 Vermont School Custodian of the Year is Doris “Jean” Brooks, custodian at the Jamaica Village School.
Brooks was recognized at the 53rd Annual School Custodians and Maintenance Conference today at Hartford High School. Ms. Brooks started her career at Jamaica Village School in 1973 and will retire in June of this year after 36 school years of service. Principal Laura Hazard commended Ms. Brooks’ work. “First and foremost, Jean puts the children first. She takes pride in providing an environment that optimizes their learning.”
As Principal Hazard recognized, an outstanding custodian does much more than clean their building. “Jean is always willing to take on unforeseen duties outside of her job description for the health and safety of the children and the ever changing needs of the building… When there was a water line leak that flooded our hall and classrooms periodically for months, she mopped and mopped and did what was needed to keep the spaces as dry and safe as possible. The collapse of the library’s roof did not stop Jean from quickly stepping into to move the collection to a secure space.”
Earlier this winter, school officials and administrators were invited to nominate professional school custodians for consideration for the second annual Vermont School Custodian of the Year award. In order to qualify, individuals had to exemplify the positive qualities of a hard-working, dedicated member of their school team and must have worked a minimum of five years full-time service in a Vermont school.
Nominations were received from school districts across the state from principals, school board members, superintendents, teachers, students and others. Every nomination attested to the strong commitment and the above-and-beyond efforts of their school’s custodian.
Judging was completed anonymously by members of the VSCMA and employees of the Vermont Department of Education. Each nomination was reviewed and rated based on the nominee’s strengths, accomplishments and contribution to his or her school team.
