The janitorial staff has always been the backbone of Haldane Central School District. Their dedication runs deep and helps the school function as seamlessly as possible. David Robertin, Interim Director of Facilities and Transportation, reported that there are four daytime and seven nighttime custodians working around the clock. The dedication these eleven custodians demonstrate towards the upkeep and preservation of the expansive buildings is a testament to their professional commitment.
“Our day-to-day responsibilities are to keep a clean and safe environment for all students and staff,” said Robertin. Staff members like Tennson Gunter believe this requires a standard of accountability. “Do [your surroundings] look good to you? Because most likely if it doesn’t look good to you, it won’t look good to anyone else,” he said. Robertin shared that working at Haldane has been a pleasure, praising the respectful, courteous, and nice students, alongside the administration and staff. Gunter echoes this sentiment, as he enjoys his daily interactions with the community on a campus he describes as one of the most beautiful in the county.
“I consider my role customer service,” Robertin emphasized, a mindset shared by Gunter, the staff member with the longest tenure in the janitorial department. This focus creates everlasting bonds. For example, Gunter recalled how he was treated to a drink with a former student he encountered at a bar. Robertin added, “We are here to help students and staff with whatever we can within budgetary and staff constraints.” This mindset highlights their work behind the scenes of the school, ensuring that every hallway, classroom, and common area is not just clean but conducive to learning.
Additionally, Robertin’s dedication expands far beyond the school. During his time at Dobbs Ferry School District, he led a student work program in which participants signed in for daily tasks and completed them, enabling them to keep their school clean. In turn, Robertin noted that this instilled a “sense of accomplishment and pride in their school.” This initiative highlights their overall role not just as maintenance staff but as integral educators and community builders. Robertin finds motivation in the nature of his work: “I never have the same day,” Robertin stated, “I always have a list of what I’d like to do, and then it changes due to things that come up.”
Robertin concluded, “What I would share with you is to be kind, courteous, respectful, and professional with everyone you deal with. You would be surprised how much people will do for you when you treat them right.”
