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May 27, 2008


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NEWS

School Board to Outsource Janitorial Services

By Joel Washburn
washburn@mckenziebanner.com

MCKENZIE (May 20) McKenzie Special School District will contract its janitorial services at McKenzie Elementary School for the 2008-2009 school year. In a 3-1 vote, the board approved a contract with GCA to clean the building and perform light maintenance for an annual cost of $83,916. Currently, the in-house costs to perform the services is $92,000.

Superintendent Jim Ward said five companies returned proposals ranging in price of $132,000 to $83,916. GCA will provide a day porter to be on duty during school hours. Additional staff will arrive after students leave the building.

The idea of outsourcing arose five years ago leading to the board authorizing Ward to seek proposals during a recent meeting.

GCA will clean floors, restrooms, provide and replace toilet tissue, provide all the cleaning equipment and chemicals, and be responsible for the manpower. Each employee must pass a background check as required by state law and maintains a $10 million general liability bond. GCA also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, otherwise, the contract can be voided without penalty. Ward said JC-M, Huntingdon, Weakley County, and Lauderdale County are among the ones using GCA. Ward said GCA provides a professional service, and if it works well at the elementary, he said a similar contract in future years may be sought for the other school buildings.

Board member Greg Barker, who voted against the contract, expressed his concern for employment of current janitorial staff members at the school. Ward said they will be interviewed by GCA for possible employment. The current and lone full-time porter indicated he has previously worked for GCA and indicated no great concern with the contract, according to Ward.

Richard Davy, principal at McKenzie Elementary School, said he was pleased with the schools he inspected that are cleaned by GCA.

Ward announced the following teacher additions for upcoming year. Jennifer Henson, middle school teacher; Alisha Beecham, elementary teacher; Jay Taylor, high school math teacher; Sheila White, Tammy Davy, Wesley Gaskill, and Alisha Fesmire as substitute teachers. The following teachers retired: Richard Chappell, Carol Barker; Pam Seymour, and Betty Highfil.

Anna Ogburn with the Carroll County Schools Coordinated Health Program gave an overview of the year’s activities. She said next year the students will undergo a “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” in middle school. The school will purchase items to provide physical activities next year with grant funds.

Board members Jon Davis and Karen McCaleb were absent.

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May 27, 2008