Should Madison Outsource School Custodians?

The Madison Board of Education is expected to vote May 22 on whether to award a nearly $1.28 million contract to Aramark to have the company handle most of the district's custodial services next school year, a move some district officials say is the best way to increase staffing levels to adequate levels without raising costs after recent staffing cuts.

The proposed change essentially would lead to 13 out of 20 custodians losing their district jobs, while Aramark would bring in 29 outsourced staff members.

Board members voted 5-3 on Tuesday to , with some members saying it will give them time to review their notes and continue a dialogue with residents.

Officials say the change would increase cleanliness and could lead to savings on benefit costs. The superintendent, business administrator, director of curriculum, the supervisor of buildings and grounds, and all principals and vice principals support the proposal "in recognition of the fiscal limitations and the needs of the district," according to a district presentation. A PDF of the district's presentation on the proposal is attached to this post.

Some residents, including police, parents and students, who spoke during Tuesday's meeting said they worry there would be higher staff turnover within Aramark, which they said they expect partly due to lower wages, and how that would affect employees' interactions with students, and how it would affect parents' comfort levels.

They also said custodians who work for the district are an important part of the school community and become an important part of students' lives. Some asked to see evidence the schools are not being acceptably maintained.