Annually, the 18 members of the custodial and maintenance staff of the Cassingham Complex use 30,480 gallons of disinfecting solution, 75,000 small trash liners and 9,180 rolls of toilet paper. However, their jobs involve more than just cleaning. They are able to form relationships with students and staff.
Stephanie Johnson, who is a daytime custodian and has been a member of the custodial staff since 2012, said she cleans the cafeteria at least three times a day, mopping spills during breakfast and lunch and disinfecting the floors and tables.
Johnson said she initially went to school for art education but eventually decided to become a custodian. She had wanted to be a teacher but realized she didn’t have to teach to work with students, she added.
“I always wanted to work in a school, and I love children, so that was my inspiration,” Johnson said. “Just because I didn’t make it as a teacher doesn’t mean I am less satisfied.”
Johnson said the connections she has built over the years with students have greatly impacted her. She said she has a fond memory of a group of kindergarten students joking around with her using the number 7611, which was the code to her cleaning closet. Those students are now seniors, she added.
Senior Ali Kilbourne, one of the students who joked with Johnson, said she has built a relationship with Johnson over the years.
“Even years later in middle school and high school, she’s always smiling, positive and brightening my day,” she said.
She added she will always look back on her friendship with Johnson fondly.
“Next year I will miss her friendly attitude and smile in the hallways,” she said.
Johnson said seeing students grow up is one of the best parts of her job.
“My interactions are very pleasant and genuine,” she said. “I love interacting with the children and the staff.”
Maintenance staff member Scott Hensley said he helps set up for school events, repair broken items and clean up messes. He added he holds the door every morning for Cassingham Elementary students, creating a strong connection with students from an early age.
“It is awesome watching the kids grow up,” he said.
Junior Avonlea Pitts said she has formed a close relationship with Hensley from a young age.
“I’ve known him since second grade when every morning he would hold the
Cassingham door open for students,” she said. “At some point he gave me the nickname Knuckles because I would give him a fist bump every morning.”
Pitts explained she doesn’t see Hensley as much in the high school, but every time she does, she gives him a fist bump.
Johnson said she loves making connections with students during lunch. She added she likes it when the kids try to clean their own messes so no one gets hurt.
“If we eat together and play together, why not clean together?” she said.
She said her job is very significant but sometimes goes unnoticed.
“It’s a scene that no one sees,” Johnson said. “I’m invisible sometimes, but it is a very important job.”
Johnson explained the cafeteria is overcrowded due to the large amount of students in a small space. It is very important for everyone to contribute to keep the space clean, she said.
“We are outgrowing our building,” she said. “One slip could be detrimental. Someone could get seriously hurt.”
Maintenance staff member Mark Cooper explained he has worked in construction since high school, which eventually led to him working in maintenance.
Cooper said he worked in transportation when he started at the district and eventually switched to the maintenance department, where he does repairs, painting and custodial work.
Cooper said the maintenance department addresses many different issues at the school.
“It varies every day,” he said. “You have to be ready for anything.”
Cooper explained when a fire alarm is pulled, it is his responsibility to determine which alarm was pulled and reset it. He added one of the most unusual things that has happened was when there was a bomb threat during the SAT. He said he had to make the decision along with other faculty members to lock down the school.
Cooper said he wishes people knew how interesting his job is, although it might not appear that way.
Cooper explained he enjoys the people he works with in the building. He said people, such as attendance secretary Tracie Baum, like to call him for fake problems.
“I get radio calls from Baum all the time with stuff that turns out to be
pranks,” he said. “One time we had a smoking toilet.”
Johnson explained staff members know how much she loves her job, especially polishing the floors.
“I like to put my music on and just drive away,” she said.
Published and digitized May 2026.
