Donna's Dispatch

September 2007

A message from Donna Bernard

Superintendent of Schools

Greetings to you on this September’s day.

 

What a summer we had here in the school business.  It just couldn’t have gotten any “sweatier,” especially from the perspective of the staff that had the daily cleaning and maintenance responsibilities for our schools.  In our business, the summer cleaning schedule takes the old definition of “spring” or “fall” cleaning to even higher levels.

 

Beyond the scrubbing, washing, and polishing of all furniture, shelving, and floors, there’s a seriously long list of repairs, maintenance, and building enhancement projects that go on for hours.  So much of what needs to be done related to our high standards of school facility maintenance cannot be accomplished when school children are in attendance.  Projects, therefore, are relegated to a very brief summer recess.  Our maintenance and custodial staff worked tirelessly moving furniture, organizing supplies, assisting teachers with classroom moves, and in general, readying buildings for educational programs by the end of August. 

 

In addition, this summer we were exceptionally busy with our asbestos and water compliance projects.  Much like last summer, the asbestos project resulted in the complete removal of ALL items from the affected rooms.  Then the rooms were painted, cleaned and all items were returned, organized and reset.  The staff’s commitment to extending the life of these school resources through meticulous care and attention is commendable.  As you “felt the heat” during this summer time in Coventry, our maintenance and custodial staff continued relentlessly with their exceptional efforts on behalf of Coventry taxpayers.

 

 I know you share with me this gratitude!

 

Donna

 

PS:  Do you have other questions or comments for the Superintendent?  We’ve set the first “Donuts with Donna” session for the school year.  The Superintendent will be visiting with attendees at the Lisicke Beach Pavilion on Route 31 on Monday, September 10 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

 

I look forward to our conversation.