Putnam County Schools eliminate custodial staff

COOKEVILLE, TN — In an effort to lessen the nearly $750,000 deficit by the end of the fiscal year, Putnam County Schools officials have cut the custodial staff, according to WTVF-TV.


Last week, all employees except teachers were forced to take a two-day furlough without pay, while some 30 custodians were laid off, the story stated.


Steve Maxwell, a 33-year veteran custodian at Northeast Elementary School, said: "It's like a home away from home, do you know what I'm saying? You know, to be laid off, put out of work with no insurance just hurt, you know? When I took this job I thought this job will always be there because there are always kids, but you get fooled."


The district, realizing that cleaning the schools is a necessity, has contracted GCA Services Group Inc. to provide janitorial services, the story noted.


GCA has voiced their intention to hire as many of the old district custodians as possible, the story added.