A Behind the Scenes look at those individuals who are making it happen
While students and families continue to enjoy their summer vacations, more than a dozen Independence Local Schools’ employees are working hard to prepare Independence Primary, Middle and High School for the 2023-24 school year.
First impressions walking into a building on the first day of school mean a great deal, and room by room, desk by desk, each building is getting a deep clean, and building grounds are being maintained for an impressive curb appeal.
Students and teachers will be welcomed with freshly-waxed floors, dust-free surfaces, streak-free windows and spotless walls and light fixtures. Every piece of furniture is moved out of the classrooms and cleaned. All the lockers will be disinfected and cleaned as well.
The idea of disinfecting is more prevalent now than ever, according to Assistant Superintendent Tom Dreiling, Independence Local Schools. Crews are working to both clean and disinfect the surfaces and are working ahead of schedule. Behind the scenes making all this happen are familiar faces. Many families may recognize them as their cleaners or in other roles throughout the school year, including classroom aides, cooks, bus drivers and paraprofessionals. Some have worked in the district for more than 40 years as a substitute custodian and cleaner, like Keith Cwiklinski.
“I believe we are on time only for the reason that our summer staff is made up mostly of current and former employees who take pride in the fact that they will see their hard work appreciated every day from the students and staff,” said IHS Head Custodian Chuck Schroeder. “My night custodian Trina Evans is fantastic at keeping on task and scheduling the cleaning areas around the sports practices and summer camp activities.”
“Our rock stars have put in a lot of work in such a short amount of time,” said IPS Head Custodian Dave Mantz. “We stripped every classroom to the bare floor and then applied seven coats of wax. The gym floor is an even bigger project. But they are complete and we can’t wait to welcome back our students and staff.”
“I couldn’t ask for a better crew,” said Scott Stasek, IMS head custodian.
“I appreciate the opportunity to learn new tasks, especially in electricity and plumbing,” said Elijah Spellman-Sak.
Joshua Stasek, IHS Class of 2018 started working for the district in 2014 and has been on the summer cleaning crew ever since. He enjoys seeing the progress from the last day of school to the first day. “It looks so different,” he said. “I guarantee, this building is really clean,” said Lisa Melluso.
Middle school cleaners Kaylie Sak and Jane Kane agree that cleaning in the summer is rewarding because they can see a transformation of the classrooms, halls, bathrooms and entire building much more than during the school year.
“I enjoy working in this district mainly for the small town family feel,” said Schroeder. “Everyone from students and staff to residents have made me feel welcome since I came to the district five years ago.”
“This has to be the best summer cleaning crew ever,” said Dreiling. “Our crew is taking great pride in their work and are going over and beyond to make sure our buildings are prepared for students and staff. The team feels well established and I’m impressed by the leadership at each building but also how the team comes together.” Special thanks also to the cleaner at the board office, Jennifer Leffel. She is a valued member of the district team.
The district’s summer cleaners include:
Independence Primary School
Dave Mantz
Dawn White
Thomas Podany
Steve Wilson
Matt Janosek
Jason Janosek
Paul Kundmueller
Independence Middle School
Scott Stasek
Elijah Spellman-Sak
Jane Kane
Lisa Meluso
Keith Cwiklinski
Josh Stasek
Kailey Sax
Independence High School
Chuck Schroeder
Trina Evans
Keith Crankshaw
Allison Edge
Andrea Edge
Tevin Cullison
Tiffany Cullison (also a Head Cook at IHS and bus driver)
Mae Sheehan
Atlas Barry
April Kalman (also cleaner and classroom aide at IHS)
Tate McGovern
Board Office
Jennifer Leffel
Independence Primary School
Independence Middle School
Independence High School