Community upset over custodial outsourcing

RICHLAND, MI — The decision of many Detroit-area schools to research outsourcing custodial services has many workers and community members upset, according to the Kalamazoo Weekly.

In an effort to show their distaste with the decision, signs have been appearing in residents' front lawns around the community that say "No Privatization," the story stated.

Gull Lake High School, in particular, has had to cut their budget by $1.6 million, and school officials are looking to cut the custodial staff so teachers can keep their positions, the story noted.
Superintendent Christopher Rundle said: "We have to compare apples-to-apples. Will our buildings be as clean and as safe? If we can say 'yes' then that’s a potential savings. But those decisions haven’t been made yet."

Several schools in the area are currently accepting proposals to replace their in-house custodial services, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.