top of page

Spotlight: Charles County Public Schools Honors Custodial Excellence in Annual Awards

PSSAM Staff

The Southern Maryland Chronicle

October 25, 2024

 

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recognized outstanding contributions of its building service teams during a recent awards ceremony hosted by the district’s operations and supporting services department. The awards, announced during an October 14 meeting at Westlake High School, highlighted custodial achievements across categories including Manager of the Year, Assistant Manager of the Year, and Building Service Worker of the Year. Honorees were selected based on preopening inspections conducted across the district, a tradition led by April Murphy, CCPS supervisor of operations.


CCPS building service manager and assistant managers held a meeting earlier this month during which awards were given out in various categories.


Murphy emphasized the commitment of building service staff in ensuring facilities are in peak condition each year. “We sit down and talk about what schools looked exceptional and in what areas they truly shined,” she said of the inspection process, which helps identify standout efforts before the school year begins. Awards were introduced in October 2022 and have since become an annual acknowledgment of excellence within CCPS.


This year’s honorees included:

  • Manager of the Year: Joseph Brawner from Henry E. Lackey High School

  • Assistant Manager of the Year: Keya Young from Westlake High School

  • Building Service Worker of the Year: Gloria Ventura of North Point High School and Kevin Proctor of St. Charles High School

  • Green Thumb Award: Recognizing grounds maintenance, awarded to the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, Gale-Bailey Elementary School, and North Point High School

  • Platinum Building Award: Awarded to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School for exemplary building maintenance

  • Outstanding Floor Care: Billingsley Elementary School


During the awards presentation, Murphy described the thoughtfulness behind the Green Thumb Award at North Point, where Building Service Manager Victor Woodland ensures grounds maintenance is timed to showcase the property for potential homebuyers over the weekend. “The grounds at North Point are elaborate,” Murphy noted. “Woodland and his staff do a great job keeping it up to par.”


Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., superintendent of schools, second from right, congratulates the building service staff of the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building who recently received the Green Thumb Award from the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Office of Operations and Supporting Services. From left are Ikechukwu Bradley-Alakwe, Marie Woodland, assistant manager, William “Gary” Proctor, manager, Navarro, and Carla Fenwick.


At the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, the team managed a sprawling property that includes multiple annexes and a maintenance shop. “The building service team at Starkey is a small group but they are responsible for maintaining a large property,” Murphy said. She commended their dedication to tasks like trimming, edging, and overall curb appeal, demonstrating a clear pride in the facility’s appearance.


The prestigious Platinum Building Award went to Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, reflecting a high standard of building maintenance. Murphy highlighted the efforts of Manager Norbert Farmer and Assistant Manager Leland Burns, who lead by example and strive for perfection. “It is obvious when you pull in the parking lot, and it becomes more obvious when you walk in the door,” she said. “The team at Dr. Mudd is very intentional with their work, and it shows with the appearance of the building.”


In addition to individual awards, schools achieving a perfect score in their preopening inspections were also recognized. Schools awarded 100% ratings will have their achievements marked on a plaque displayed across all CCPS locations.

Schools recognized with 100% inspection scores include:


Elementary Schools

  • Billingsley Elementary School

  • Gale-Bailey Elementary School

  • Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School

  • Malcolm Elementary School

  • T.C. Martin Elementary School

  • Mary H. Matula Elementary School

  • Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School

  • Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School


Middle Schools

  • Matthew Henson Middle School

  • General Smallwood Middle School

  • Benjamin Stoddert Middle School


High Schools

  • Henry E. Lackey High School

  • Maurice J. McDonough High School

  • North Point High School

  • St. Charles High School

  • Thomas Stone High School

  • Westlake High School


Centers

  • F.B. Gwynn Educational Center

  • Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center

  • Early Learning Center, La Plata

  • Robert D. Stethem Educational Center

Murphy concluded the ceremony by commending all building service staff for their unwavering commitment, which she described as essential in creating welcoming environments for students and staff. “Every award recipient today embodies a dedication that doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said.






0 comments

Comments


bottom of page