The Challenge
A district with 12 schools was struggling with rising custodial costs. Chemicals were being overused, equipment was poorly maintained, and inconsistent methods led to wasted time and resources. Without training, custodians improvised—and the district paid the price in both budget overruns and poor cleanliness.
The Solution
Corker Consulting introduced a program to standardize practices and reduce waste:
- Training seminars on chemical dilution, dwell times, and safe handling.
- Equipment care workshops to extend the life of vacuums, scrubbers, and extractors.
- A district-wide custodial manual to ensure consistency across all schools.
- Regular inspections to hold staff accountable and identify efficiency gaps.
The Results
Within six months, the district reported measurable improvements:
- The district reduced chemical use by 25% through proper dilution and labeling.
- Equipment life expectancy increased, saving an estimated $15,000 annually in replacement costs.
- Cleaning efficiency improved, cutting down overtime hours and freeing up staff for detail work.
- Overall custodial spending decreased by 12% while cleanliness scores improved.
Conclusion: Investing in custodial training is not just about cleaner schools—it’s about smarter use of resources. Training pays for itself through cost savings, efficiency, and reduced liability.