Putnam County Schools To Move On From Current Janitorial Service

The Putnam County School Board voted Thursday night to send a 60-day contract termination notice to TMA Cleaning Services.

Director of Schools Corby King said after extensive discussions with managers and staff, schools are still not being cleaned adequately. The board voted to create a new request for proposals to replace the company in March.

“It’s a quick turnaround,” King said. “Again, I’m hoping it would give a new service time to get in before summer months because summer’s when the deep-cleaning takes place. We’re behind schedule, and if we wait until summer and we wait until June 30 and our work doesn’t get done, then our buildings don’t get clean and then we’re in another year of this.”

King said principals have given highly positive feedback about many of the janitors, particularly the day-time workers. He said it seems to be largely the night crews and the company’s management that have been unsatisfactory.

Board Chair Kim Cravens said she has seen the grimy results firsthand.

“I have been sent some pictures, and I’ve been appalled at what I’ve seen,” Cravens said. “I don’t expect kids to show up to school seeing the filth that I’ve seen. 100 percent.”

King said that many of the custodians have relayed to principals that the company is not providing them with the equipment and materials needed to keep schools clean. Board Member Dawn Fry said workers have not been able to rely on timely, fair pay either.

“Everybody just really bragged on the people they have during the day,” Fry said. “The thing that really bothers me the most is that some of these employees that are working so well are not getting paid when they’re supposed to be paid. That is unacceptable.”

In other business, the board agreed to make a lump sum payment of some $38,000 for bleacher seats on the home side of Algood Middle School’s gym.