They keep Pierce Downer pristine
There's never a dull moment for Craig Kubinski and Mark Larsen, and they like it that way. The duo has served as Pierce Downer's custodians for a combined 45 years (Kubinski for 35 years, Larsen for 10). They oversee a wide variety of tasks to ensure that the school looks its best possible.
"Craig and Mark each have a personal sense of dedication to our students, staff and the building as a whole," said Pierce Downer Principal Justin Sisul. "They take pride in their work, and it is reflected throughout our school not only in cleanliness and quality but in the relationships they have built with staff, students and the entire Pierce Downer community."
Twice per shift, the custodians complete general cleaning tasks throughout the school. They lead groundskeeping, minor maintenance and preventative maintenance. Regular tasks range from changing light bulbs to cleaning the gutters and roof, and many other jobs in between. Often, they get presented with unexpected tasks, such as spill and mess cleanups.
"It keeps us on our toes," Larsen, the night custodian, said.
When students and teachers leave for the summer, both custodians remain, already preparing for the school year ahead.
"Going from working with 400 people to three is strange. The challenges of summer cleaning kick in, and it's like working a different job," Kubinski, head custodian, says, recalling how he and Larsen carefully wash all furniture, wax the floors and complete a deep clean of the entire inside and outside of the school.
In his 35 years at Pierce Downer, Kubinski has witnessed thousands of students pass through the school's doors.
"Seeing so many kids grow up and become productive citizens is what I like most about District 58," Kubinski says. "Tons of parents were also students here."