CMG provides instrumental services
“In layman’s terms. You can’t do anything without me,” said Alexander Jones in describing his role as administrative assistant to DGS’s CMG department. Jones’s essential role behind the scenes enables his department and the broader school to function properly.
CMG’s crucial role in maintaining DGS’s facilities is undeniable. However, the less acknowledged facet of this operation lies on the other side of the mop. As an administrative assistant, Jones’s role is instrumental in providing material and managerial support.
“The parts that you need, I’m the one that’s going to order them, the paperwork that you’ll need to push through, I’m the one that’s going to process that paperwork and pass it on. I’m the middleman, I’m the one you have to go through,” Jones said.
Due to the broad nature of the department and its responsibilities, Jones is often tasked with an array of challenges. This ability to adapt; however, is what cements his key role.
“I think the easiest way to describe it is kind of like the Swiss Army knife around here. If you need something, you can nine times out of 10 ask me, and I will give you an answer,” Jones said.
Jones’s path to his current position was far from linear. Beginning work in the district 10 years ago, he has made his way through DGS’s library and IT departments before settling in CMG. A decision that Jones is very happy with.
“Moving from IT to here just seemed like a natural progression, because here, I’m able to be a lot more effective in different things here. I enjoy that, I like being productive,” Jones said.
It is ultimately Jones’s inclination towards constant progress that makes him such a good fit for CMG. Within the consistent function of the department, there are many opportunities for constructive progress.
“This is what’s perfect for me. There’s always something happening here in this office, in this department; there’s always someone to talk to. There’s always something to get done,” Jones said.
A key aspect of the CMG department is the maintenance team. Acting as the hand on the grounds repairers and mechanics, employees such as Scott Evinger dedicate themselves to keeping every aspect of DGS up and running.
“[We repair] just about anything, kind of jack of all trades, master of none, for sure,” Evinger said.
The complex systems of DGS and all of its inner workings provide a multitude of opportunities for CMG staff members to showcase their abilities. These endeavors are particularly rewarding for Evinger as he finds great fulfillment in working out the kinks of a problem.
“If I came to your classroom and you said, ‘This is broken,’ and it got fixed right then and there, that’s pretty cool. It’s kind of fun that way. It’s very rewarding, for sure,” Evinger said.
The instrumental role that maintenance workers play in fixing everything from toilets to the roof not only keeps DGS’s facilities running smoothly but also impacts the broader community as a whole.
Every faculty member within the school brings new and valued experiences into their work. Evinger has participated in this culture throughout his extended time within the district and his personal experience of having his own children attend DGS.
“All three of my kids went here, and my last one just graduated this past year, and I’ve worked here the entire time. Other than that, you see neighborhood kids grow up. It’s a lot of fun to see how kids from kindergarten progress all the way till they graduate, it’s a good time,” Evinger said.
CMG’s extensive role within DGS highlights just how important their roles are. The cultivation of a supportive and well-kept environment is what makes the school truly stand out.
“I’m very happy I’ve stumbled onto District 99. We’ve had a good time here,” Evinger said.
“My job is hard to describe, because it’s never the same thing in the moment,” maintenance worker Jerry Kulik shared when explaining his role within DGS’s broader CMG department. As a member of the maintenance team, Kulik is responsible for keeping the various functions of the school running smoothly.
“Right now, I’m working on the heat exchanger with the plumbing. 10 minutes from now, I’m gonna be changing the lights fixture, or, you name it,” Kulik said.
This variety within day-to-day work provides enrichment for many employees. Having the opportunity to work on such a variety of projects keeps work interesting and builds a multitude of skills.
District 99 also provides additional training within the CMG department to further these efforts. This, combined with the learning opportunities found within such a multifaceted job, creates a fulfilling work environment.
“The school provides us with regular training so we can sign up for classes, so I can always advance with my knowledge. Plus working with the people, we bounce ideas off each other and see what the best way is to fix a problem,” Kulik said.
Employees like Kulik thrive in a workplace that fosters these educational opportunities and openings to make real change within the DGS community.
“After I’ve finished my work orders, I feel the satisfaction of making students happy. You got heat, you got air conditioning, and you see the smiley faces of the students, for me, that means my job is done,” Kulik said.
For custodian Steve Elmer, working within DGS’s CMG department means prioritizing the needs of students. Elmer plays an essential role in regulating the pool’s chemicals and delivering the whole school’s mail.
“I take care of any packages that come in for the teachers and departments. I deliver those, like the deliveryman of the school. I work in the pool as well, checking the chemicals, cleaning the filters, keeping up on whatever goes wrong,” Elmer said.
These duties are essential in ensuring the safety of students and staff, especially in the pool, where chlorine regulation is a demanding task.
“I’m in there daily, checking chemicals, making sure everything all the levels are good for the kids to swim in,” Elmer said.
For Elmer, these tasks bring great satisfaction as ensuring student well-being is his top priority. Beyond the pool; however, he also finds pleasure in the more social aspects of his delivery-related jobs.
“I enjoy doing my deliveries and speaking to teachers and staff and even kids. I’ve always enjoyed DGS because it’s a good place to work. The people are great here, and I really value that,” Elmer said.
The environment within DGS is particularly important to Elmer in contrast to his experiences in other industries.
“I did HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) for ten years, and then the market crashed, and there wasn’t much work. I ended up coming here part-time to work nights, and then worked my way up,” Elmer said.
Throughout his eighteen years working at DGS, Elmer has become instrumental in his position. The prioritization of student needs builds a strong foundation for learning and growth experiences. These essential services are a testament to the CMG staff and their dedication.
“I do enjoy that, making sure everything is set up right, and you guys have smooth operating activities. We want to just make sure everything is in order for you guys so you can enjoy your activities,” Elmer said.