FWCS custodians oppose outsourcing idea

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Dozens of Fort Wayne Community Schools custodians showed up to the district's board meeting, Monday, in opposition of recent proposals to outsource services including custodial work.

FWCS has to cut $15 million dollars from its budget. Last week, leaders proposed cutting teachers, closing two schools, and outsourcing services. At the meeting, four people took the podium to ask board members to reconsider.

"I can guarantee you, getting rid of custodians is never going to be an answer in life," said FWCS custodian Francis Udoh.

"We are your first defense against illness and intruders. We are a big part of the support system in place at FWCS," said Michelle Tribolet. Tribolet is the president of local 561 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. It represents custodians at FWCS. Tribolet says the staff is "very anxious and very worried."

She adds, getting rid of custodians who've developed a connection with the schools and students would be a big mistake.

"We feel we have ownership in the school system. So we do do a better job. If you get an outsourced company... they have no ownership in that, (the quality of work will) just go down from there," said Tribolet.

Board members are considering all arguments. President Mark GiaQuinta says, if the board decides to outsource, it would require those companies to hire FWCS employees.

"If we can work out an agreement with an outsourcing company for any number of services and it saves us money so that we can do what we're really here to do - that's educating students - we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't examine it closely," said GiaQuinta.

The board will open up the floor for more public input three times in the coming days.

Dates and times :

Public forum about closing Elmhurst High School - March 10th at 6 p.m. at Elmhurst.

Public forum about closing Pleasant Center - March 16th at 6 p.m. at Pleasant Center.

Public forum on all proposed budget cuts - March 18th at 6 p.m. at the Grile Administrative Center.

A final vote happens on March 22nd.