Celebrating Unsung Heroes in High Schools – Custodians, Bus Drivers, Others

For years, new teachers have been given advice that they should get to know and develop a good working-relationship with the custodians and the front office administrative assistant. The reason given is that these individuals “run” the school and keep it operating.

With respect to athletics and performing arts programs, this reality also includes the grounds crew, bus drivers and other support personnel. In actuality, these behind-the-scene support personnel are highly responsible to ensure that everything goes smoothly, and they are absolutely essential to education-based programs. They are the unsung heroes.

“Sometimes, it can be a simple email thanking them for their work and great efforts,” said Doug Marchetti, director of health, physical education and athletics for the Norwalk (Connecticut) Public Schools. “It can also be a note to their supervisor letting him or her know that one of their staff did a great job, and this, in turn, could be reflected on the employee’s annual appraisal.

“The good working relationships that you create by being positive, thankful and appreciative goes a long way if you are caught in a jam and need a repair, or help involving an important contest,” Marchetti added. “People are much more willing to help if they know they are valued and appreciated.

“For example, if you can roll up your sleeves and help clean up the gym after a big game, this demonstrates that you really appreciate, understand and value the efforts of your custodians. As an athletic director, it is not about giving commands, it is rather working with and as a team to get the job done,” Marchetti concluded.

Dr. Branden Lippy, athletic director at Lampeter-Strasburg High School in Lampeter, Pennsylvania, added that “It is incumbent to do everything possible to make the lives easier for support personnel. This can be done by communicating with our student-athletes and coaches to pick up their trash after games, following procedures on bus trips, and not creating extra work for grounds crews, custodians and bus drivers. In baseball, for example, the team rakes the infield so that it is ready for the following day. Due to the weight of the wrestling mats, the team always sets up and stores them after matches rather than expecting our custodians to handle this task.

“It is vitally important for student-athletes and coaches to be respectful, and to say ‘thank you’ to all of these individuals. If you believe in servant leadership, an athletic administrator should encourage and promote this expression of appreciation by your teams,” Lippy added.

Like Marchetti, Sean Downing, supervisor of athletics at the North Plainfield (New Jersey) School District, also emails his custodians, grounds crew and bus drivers to commend them on their outstanding work. In addition to also notifying their supervisor, Dowling also copies the superintendent, the head of buildings and grounds, the head custodian, the principal, the assistant principals, and the head coaches. In this manner, the outstanding efforts are shared with most influential individuals within the district, and the support personnel appreciate that their work does not go unnoticed.

Beyond email commendations, Downing also indicated that routine clear and concise communication with support personnel is also helpful and appreciated in order for them to operate at a maximum level.

“While our staff will assist with last minute emergencies, they work better when they can plan their day and week in order to complete all of their tasks,” Dowling said. “And, of course, if your staff is short-handed, roll up your sleeves and squeegee a tennis court, or set up chairs for a basketball game. They will notice and appreciate your help. Isn’t this leadership by example?”

In the same way, John Seman, athletic director at Yes Prep Northline Campus in Houston, Texas, agrees with Dowling.

“Communication is key,” Seman said. “I try to learn as much about their needs as possible in order to make their job easier. It is vital to make sure that their voice is heard. In this way, you create a shared vision that your athletic program is centered around what is best for your young people. It is important to know your custodians, grounds crew and bus drivers by name and greet them every day. Show interest in their family, and this makes them feel that they are a valued member of your program.”

In addition, Seman pointed out that he tries to host celebration breakfasts or lunches with coffee and donuts, or pizza or sandwiches. This step may be simple, but it is really appreciated. He also honors support staff with an award at the annual athletic department banquet.

Jared Felice, district athletic director of the Widefield School District 3 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, indicated that schools in the Widefield district make announcements at games to recognize the great efforts of their support staff.

“Often, we may also have one of the individuals serve as an honorary captain for the coin toss, or sit on the bench as a guest coach,” Felice said. “In addition, you should always consider providing them with free admission game passes.”

Of course, all five of the athletic administrators suggested that schools should provide custodians, grounds crew, bus drivers and other support personnel with swag – such as hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts. Normally, these behind-the-scene individuals wear these items with great pride and are very appreciative when they are given teamwear.

Felice emphasized it is important that athletic directors educate and serve as role models for student-athletes and coaches with respect to recognizing what support personnel do for your program.

“It is vitally important that your teams pick up after themselves in the locker room, around the team bench at games, and before getting off the bus,” Felice said. “It is up to you to set this standard and to ensure that it is done.”

“It should be expected that teams leave the bus, the visiting team locker room and the team bench area cleaner than when they entered it,” Dowling said. “Your support personnel will appreciate the effort of your athletes and coaches to make their job easier, and it is such a simple and easy thing to do.”

Celebrating your unsung support personnel doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is so extremely important. This effort includes effective communication, showing concern and appreciation for the various individuals, and educating and encouraging your student- athletes and coaches to help make life easier for custodians, grounds crews, bus drivers, and everyone contributing behind-thescenes.