Piper considers outsourcing custodian services

Posted by Nick Sloan on November 10, 2009 - 8:55am
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Facing a tough budget situation that's likely to get worse, the Piper Board of Education is considering outsourcing the district's custodian services.

Members of the board heard a report from representatives of PCI Building Services, a locally based company that hires their own custodians to work at schools and other locations within the Greater Kansas City metro area.

Brenda Wood, the owner of the business, presented information to the board and said the business would save the district $251,000, based on informal studies.

Some current employees would be lost, as the total number of employed custodians would dip if the board goes that route. In terms of current employees for the district, Wood said they would have an opportunity to keep their job.

"Existing employees could be kept," she said. "We would do our best to keep them. But some will probably go."

PCI currently serves the Bonner Springs School District and the Lansing School District.

No official decision was made by the board Monday night.

"This is just a learning session for the board," said Steve Adams, superintendent of schools in Piper. "It's a first step."

Posted by Michaelanne Duncan on November 10, 2009 - 11:18am
I understand trying to save money and cut cost in a business, but I hate to see it when it causes others to lose their jobs. I hope the Piper Board of Education will try hard to keep the custodians they have. It will be sad to see more people lose their jobs.
Posted by D Thompson on November 10, 2009 - 12:10pm
Arent there only 5 custodians now who rotate? Or is it that I only see the same 5 people?
I'd hate to cut the staff and go with outsourcing. Outsourcing the services DOES NOT SAVE YOU MONEY!!!

Please review other ways to manage.
Posted by S P on November 10, 2009 - 12:22pm
It might look like it will save them money on paper, but there is no way, in the long run, that it will save them money. I think it's horrible to even consider outsourcing this service.
Posted by Michaelanne Duncan on November 10, 2009 - 1:16pm
I don't like the idea of outsourcing this service either. I don't see where it will save the district $251,000 dollars. I don't see where they are paying out in salaries, benefits probably cleaning supplies etc. that much money. I would like to see the actual figures from the district. Sure the new company says they will do their best to keep existing employees, but we all know that never happens. And if it does, how soon do they get laid off? I think the district needs to try and save the current custodians jobs. There has to be a way they can cut other expenses. Outsourcing just doesn't seem the way.
Posted by D Thompson on November 10, 2009 - 3:43pm
Exactly. I can see maybe using these contractors for weekends to avoid overtime during basketball season, but I don't see the numbers adding up.
When I was in school we had two custodians per school, and one worked part time (was there only to clean up lunchroom and take out trash after lunch).
Like I said the 251K does not add up based on number of employees and salaries for each.
Posted by S P on November 10, 2009 - 3:59pm
If they pay there custodians that much then I am in the wrong profession.
Posted by Mike N on November 10, 2009 - 9:46pm
not knowing the number of custodians in the district; but estimating 14 with a salary and benefits of 75k (there are many costs not paid directly to the employee); that amount comes to a total of $1.05 million per year. Apparently there may be some savings possible.
Posted by Jake Thomas on March 12, 2010 - 9:33am
Very engrossing blog. I think your blog was extremely fascinating. Kudos once again - I will drop by again.
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Posted by Michaelanne Duncan on March 12, 2010 - 12:00pm
What about keeping the majority of the custodians and hiring some high school students to help out after school? I remember both of my brothers worked as custodians after school, when they were in high school. They didn't make a lot of money, but to a high school kid back then it was a great after school job. There were always kids wanting the job too. I think that would be a great idea.
Posted by Roger Thompson on March 12, 2010 - 1:30pm
I don't understand the blanket statement that outsourcing won't save money. Not only for salary, but with the benefits the disctrict has to pay out for their employees, I can't see how it wouldn't save money to outsource.

I love how people always tell us "Well, they need to cut costs somewhere else then..." When everybody takes that approach, no costs get cut anywhere.

Monday morning auditors are a humorous breed.
Posted by Barry Davies on March 12, 2010 - 6:56pm
You are in the wrong profession SP. They make more than alot of teachers.
Posted by Michaelanne Duncan on March 12, 2010 - 10:56pm
They sure don't make that much at a private school.