From tissues and paper towels to bathrooms and carpets, the custodial staff makes a difference.

However, the student experience does not overlap with the people who take care of our school.

“The majority of students don’t really talk to the custodial staff. They know they’re there, but they just put them in the back of their mind,” junior Raina Cadena said. 

Weslie Harbit has been the building manager for nine years, and he maintains a busy schedule to maintain the school.

“I’m a hard worker. I think most staff know that I am. I’m here seven days a week. I feel like I bend over backwards more so than other building managers in the district to get things done. I’m a very hands-on building manager…I am willing to help out in whatever way possible to get stuff done so the school is presentable,” Harbit said.

Harbit has expressed the change in his workload with the recently finished construction.

 “We went from an all tile school to an all carpeted school…It is from start to finish 220 yards of pure concrete…When we had all tile, we could go in and clean a room in like five six minutes, and now it’s like 10-15 minutes…It was just easier to maintain when it was tile,” Harbit said.

Despite the heavier workload that the custodial staff has since reconstruction, their efforts are recognized by other staff members, including English teacher Kristin Little.

“I really think our custodians do an outstanding job, because we have by far the biggest school in the whole district. I know we’ve had a hard time keeping it fully staffed…I think they’re amazing with the amount of work that they have to accomplish,” Little said.

Staff members have shown an appreciation for the cleanliness of their workplace. While students have a different experience at school, they also recognize the efforts the custodians make.

“I can’t imagine what our school would look or be like if we didn’t have our custodial staff,” Cadena said.   

Some students have made an impact on Harbit, including his daughter, senior Vivian Harbit.

“My daughter, Vivian, and her friends stand out to me…they say hello to me every time they see me,” Harbitt said.

Students, staff, and visitors can all keep in mind the responsibilities they have on campus to alleviate the custodial staff.

“We all have an obligation to, you know, pick up after ourselves and make sure it stays nice,” Little said.