Across Van Buren Public Schools, one theme is consistently heard from visitors, staff and families: our schools are clean, safe and welcoming. That experience does not happen by chance. It is made possible every day by our custodial teams whose work often begins before sunrise, continues long after the final bell and ensures that every building is ready for teaching and learning. This month, we proudly highlight the custodial staff who help make that possible across our district.


The District-Wide Impact

The District Experience: Visitors consistently share that Van Buren schools feel clean, organized and welcoming the moment they enter. Custodial teams across the district create that first impression every day. Their commitment to care, safety and pride in their work ensures that every school environment is ready for students and staff.
“You can feel the pride when you walk in.”

Behind-the-Scenes Support: Custodial staff are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. They respond quickly to needs, solve problems quietly and ensure that school operations continue without disruption. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every hallway and classroom.
“They keep everything running – often before anyone even notices.”

Building Pride & Culture: Across all buildings, custodial teams contribute to the overall climate and culture of our schools. Their attention to detail, consistency and pride in their work help create spaces that feel cared for, respected and ready for learning each day.
“It’s the little things that make the biggest difference.”

The Student Experience: Custodial staff interact with students throughout the day in small but meaningful ways – greetings in hallways, quick conversations and everyday moments of support. These interactions help reinforce a positive school culture where students feel safe, seen and valued.
“More than a building – it’s a place where students feel supported.”


Voices From Our Buildings

Rawsonville Elementary
“They treat the building like it matters – because it does.”
Custodial staff at Rawsonville create a welcoming environment where students and families feel supported, while ensuring learning spaces are safe and ready each day.

Early Childhood Center
“The foundation of early learning begins with care.”
The ECC custodial team plays an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for our youngest learners and their families. Their work ensures classrooms and common areas are always prepared, helping set the tone for early learning success.

Belleville High School
“A place where pride in the building is visible every day.”
Custodial staff ensure a large, high-traffic building remains clean, safe and ready for learning. Their work reflects daily pride and professionalism throughout every part of the building.

Owen Intermediate
Consistency, attention to detail and care define the custodial team’s work at Owen Intermediate. Their efforts ensure a clean, prepared and welcoming environment for students and staff each day.

Edgemont Elementary
“More than a building – it’s a place where students feel known.”
Custodial staff at Edgemont go beyond maintaining the building, by building relationships with students and contributing to a culture of belonging.

Tyler Elementary
“A steady presence that supports every student, every day.”
Custodial staff ensure the building is ready each morning and reset each evening, supporting a safe and consistent learning environment.

McBride Middle School
“Strong teamwork behind every hallway and classroom.”
Custodial staff are unsung heroes whose dedication ensures the building remains clean, safe and welcoming. McBride custodial staff are more than employees – they are an essential part of the school community.

Savage Elementary
Custodial staff ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment for students and staff, with pride and teamwork visible throughout the building each day.


From the Entire District: Thank You, VBPS Custodial Teams!

Custodial staff are essential to the daily success of Van Buren Public Schools. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, its impact is visible in every clean hallway, prepared classroom and welcoming school environment.

To all custodial staff across the district, thank you for your dedication, pride and professionalism. Our schools are better because of you.