This week we recognize National Custodian Appreciation Day (October 2), honoring the hardworking men and women who do more than just clean our Murray City School District (MCSD) buildings—they serve as behind-the-scenes engines and friendly faces that are incredibly important.

It's a huge job, requiring extraordinary dedication: nationally, the average school custodian is responsible for cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining between 19,000 and 25,000 square feet of space during a single shift. Along with keeping our buildings clean and sanitized to this high standard, our MCSD custodians also expertly handle maintenance, repairs, and other critical work that keeps our schools comfortable and functioning correctly.

Custodians often work as the unseen force behind every school day, showing up to work early, leaving late, and frequently working after hours. Further, they are on-call when we experience inclement weather—bravely helping clear sidewalks and parking lots throughout the early morning hours.

And yet, despite all this demanding work, they are anything but anonymous. They are often well-known—on a first-name basis—among staff, students, volunteers, and even parents. This elevates their status further, as you can be sure to receive a friendly welcome and hello from those they encounter and work with.

Finally, custodians at MCSD are also frequently called upon to assist with emergencies or urgent situations. They are trained in our Standard Response Protocols and often work directly with administrators and staff to help stabilize incidents and situations.

Overall, school custodians are an essential part of the MCSD. Their work is invaluable, and they deserve recognition and appreciation for all that they do. When you have a moment, give your favorite custodian a personalized shout-out or expression of appreciation!