ALES custodial staff wins inspection award

Though the building is new, the job is tough. Just ask the custodial staff at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School.

Submitted photoFrom left, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School custodians Michael Franklin, Larry Nunn and Kent Ballough were honored for their work recently.

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Head custodian Larry Nunn wants “his” building to stay looking new for as long as possible. So does Kent Ballough, night custodian, and part-time janitor Michael Franklin. That’s why this team won the first round of the newly introduced building and grounds inspections of the LaRue County School System. The inspection idea was slated to begin in early 2009, but the ice storm caused the inspections to be delayed. The mystery inspection team will change from time to time, but overall, the group uses a tough checklist noting everything from clutter to the basic waxing and mopping. They check closets and other storage areas as well as hallways and classrooms and make suggestions for areas of improvement.

“Our guys are the best. Most people say their job is easy because they are in a new building, but I agree with Larry. Their job is tougher because they have to keep it looking like the day we opened”, said school manager Kathy Ross. “You’ll never see grass growing under their feet. We are proud of our building and our custodial staff does their best to keep it looking in tip-top shape.”

As the senior member of the team, Nunn takes care of the daytime cleaning schedule of mopping, vacuuming, windows and minor repairs throughout the building. He arrives well before his scheduled time to get ahead start on the day. Ballough, who is new to the team this year, arrives at 2 p.m. to begin classroom garbage duty and cleans classrooms after the students leave. He is also responsible for checking in with those who use the building after hours. Franklin’s main job is assisting Ballough with everything from bathroom cleaning to classroom detail. The team keeps a running list of extra jobs on the dry erase board in their work area when time permits, but also know that Ross may have her famous “honey-do” list on hand.

For the first round of inspections, the ALES team received LaRue County polo shirts from Duke’s Sporting Goods and recognition with the students and staff at their school. The second inspection of the buildings and grounds is expected to occur in May with the winning custodial team receiving Texas Roadhouse gift certificates.