Housekeeping

Frequently Asked Questions

How are plant operator trainees assigned?

The purpose of the Plant Operator Trainee Program is to provide formal and on-the-job training designed to prepare personnel for district Plant Operator positions. After participants successfully complete a five-day instructional program, they can be assigned to fill in for temporarily absent Plant Operators.

Plant operator trainee assignments are scheduled by Housekeeping Services. JCPS employs a maximum of ten plant operator trainees. Trainees must serve a minimum of 30 days in elementary schools and 30 days in secondary schools before being eligible to make application for a plant operator position. Housekeeping Services must prioritize requests for trainees that best meet both district and participant needs and that adhere to all Board-approved components of the training program.

My request for a substitute custodian was not filled. Why?

Twenty floaters and a daily average of 65 substitute custodians are employed to meet the majority of district needs. However, there are high-volume occasions when there are not a sufficient number of substitute custodians to meet the demand.

Priority list for assigning substitute custodians and floater custodians:

• Vacancy positions
  
• Long-term leave positions
  
• Elementary schools that have two night custodians and/or facilities with two or more absent custodians
  
• Elementary schools that have three night custodians
  
• Middle/High/Office facility requests (one custodian absent)
  

Who pays for floater custodians?

Housekeeping Services reports payroll for full-time, permanent floater custodians based upon signed verification forms received from schools where they are assigned. Each month Housekeeping Services sends a reimbursement report to the Financial Office to deduct this expenditure from each school that has used Housekeeping Services floater custodians. When requesting substitute housekeeping personnel, please be aware of the fact that your local school budget is responsible for this expenditure.

Who requests substitute housekeeping personnel?

In most instances, the plant operator is designated to request substitute personnel. Substitutes are paid for from the local school budget. Plant operators must first ensure appropriate budget code appropriation is available.

Substitute personnel are requested by submitting a job request via the eSchool automated substitute request system (for procedures, click here). If you forget your school's pin number, please call 485-6100.

Which employee agreement do I consult for custodial personnel issues?

Custodians follow guidelines in the agreement between SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local and JCBE. This is available online from the Employee Relations website.

Where can I obtain a Plant Operator Handbook?

If you cannot locate one, contact Housekeeping Services at 485-6100, or a copy can be downloaded from this Web site (click here for a PDF file).

Who is responsible for the scheduling of custodial staff (shift times/work schedules)?

Plant operators are responsible for scheduling and evaluating custodial staff members under the principal's direction. Schedules should periodically be reviewed for equity, to ensure logical sequence, and to ensure all facility needs are met.

What are Utility Location Maps?

Plant operators should obtain a floor-plan drawing of the facility. The utility location maps should provide a location of all valves and switches for emergency situations. These maps should be posted in plain sight near the plant operator's desk. Looking at them, you should be able to locate major water, gas, sprinkler, fire, security, HVAC, electric panels, main switches, and valves. A map should also show exits and utility rooms. To prepare these maps, each type of switch/valve must be drawn on the map as a square or circle and given a letter identification. Plant Operators can submit a work order for the appropriate maintenance unit to get assistance in locating valves/switches, etc. It is imperative that these be updated and maintained appropriately.

I've lost my school's MSDS binder for housekeeping supplies. Where do I get a replacement?

Red MSDS binders are available from the Safety, Environmental, and Housekeeping Services Office. Plant operators should maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet for all housekeeping chemicals used. Print paper copies (as required by OSHA) by downloading annually from this department's website.

What job-specific professional development does JCPS offer?

Housekeeping Services plans and facilitates an annual inservice session for all plant operators and custodians. These three days are planned as a part of the district's Classified Staff Summer Institute. Plant Operators and Lead Custodians are scheduled to attend one day, and Custodians should attend one of the two days scheduled for custodians (Divide your staff however works best for your schedule--some schools send all staff members on one day, some split their staff in half, and each half attends one day.) These sessions are planned in conjunction with Personnel Services and Gheens Professional Development staff. Job-specific training is provided on these dates. Administrative staff members are always invited and welcome to attend any and all of these sessions. They are worthwhile and important!