In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the maintenance of school grounds and the staffing challenges faced by the district. The discussion highlighted the current staffing situation at High School North, where there is a critical shortage of dedicated grounds personnel. Currently, the district has only five staff members responsible for maintaining 18 properties, including athletic fields, which has led to significant operational challenges.

The grounds maintenance supervisor expressed frustration over the inability to fill open positions, noting that candidates often fail to show up for interviews or decline job offers after the process. This shortage has resulted in a backlog of maintenance tasks, with the supervisor having to prioritize repairs based on budget constraints.

Additionally, the issue of community involvement in maintenance efforts was discussed. Parents have expressed a willingness to assist with basic tasks, but concerns were raised about potential grievances from the union if non-staff members were to perform work typically handled by union employees. The supervisor acknowledged the desire for help but emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and liability considerations, particularly regarding tasks that could pose risks to students.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle to maintain school facilities effectively amid staffing shortages and budget limitations, with a call for potential solutions that could involve community support while navigating union regulations.