Midland teachers rally in support of ESP colleagues
When the Midland Board of Education talked about privatizing custodial/maintenance positions in the district last fall, teachers joined support staff in speaking out against the idea.
Jefferson Middle School math and science teacher Mark Hackbarth told the school board not to underestimate the value that custodial/maintenance workers bring to the district.
“Most people don’t realize how much they help students—these kids are always needing something—and how much help they give to teachers. We trust them and appreciate what they do for us and for students.”
Hackbarth listed three consequences the district will suffer with privatization.“One, most of our support staff live in our community and many have kids in Midland Public Schools,” he told the board. “If they lose their jobs, they may have to move away to find work, and we would lose the per pupil funding amount to another district.”
Hackbarth also noted the quality of work performed by the custodial-maintenance employees. “They do a great job,” he said. “They have a vested interest in our schools. I question if workers from a private company would have the same vested interest and care about doing a good job.”
The 16-year teacher also raised safety concerns with private company employees. “We don’t know these people, and we don’t know if they can be trusted around kids or around school equipment,” Hackbarth said. “That’s a worry. What control would we have over employees from a private company?”
Fred Baker, the UniServ director for the Midland City EA and ESP, said the teachers and support staff are part of the same team working together for students. In the end, Baker pointed out, privatization costs districts more because the companies must make a profit, and many of the privateers provide poor service.“There’s also the unseen cost, the human factor,” Baker said. “Avoid the euphemisms. Don’t call it privatizing. Don’t call it outsourcing. You’re firing people.”