Many students take clean classrooms and safe hallways for granted. As they walk through the school each day, few stop to think about how much work happens to keep Baldwin safe, comfortable, and running smoothly. From maintaining clean classrooms to ensuring heating systems and machinery function properly, the maintenance staff plays a crucial role in every school day.
Even before the myriad of responsibilities that maintenance staff may encounter during the school day, their workday begins much earlier.
Mr. Jeffery Schubert, Baldwin’s electrician, begins his workday at 1:45 a.m., arriving long before students and teachers are on campus. Because much of his work can be dangerous, he completes electrical repairs and safety checks overnight to avoid putting others at risk. By working through the night, Schubert ensures that students arrive in a safe and fully functioning learning environment.
“We are also here during summer break because there are fewer students, so we are able to get more stuff done,” Schubert said.
Mr. Jon Horn, a member of the team, discusses the day-to-day responsibilities of the maintenance staff.
“A typical day usually consists of checking buildings, fixing problems, inspections, and keeping classrooms and common areas in good condition,” Horn said.
Collaboration plays a major role in the department’s success. According to Mr. Keith Becklin, the Director of Facilities, the maintenance team is composed of a wide array of specialists, including workers experienced in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Mr. Mike Wallace, a member of the maintenance team, echoed this sentiment.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” he said.
The maintenance staff also take on additional responsibilities during severe weather. One recent example was during the recent snowstorm, when the team worked long hours to ensure the campus could safely reopen.
While many students were home enjoying the snow, the maintenance staff worked tirelessly to clear walkways, remove snow, and prepare the campus for the next school day.
“It was a lot of work for us, staying late through the night and shoveling every day,” Mr. Wallace said.
Mr. Becklin explained that he worked alongside his team during the storm. He noted that some staff members stayed overnight to ensure the campus was ready and safe. This level of commitment highlights how physically demanding the work can be, especially during emergencies.
Beyond daily maintenance and emergency situations, Becklin is also involved in future projects at Baldwin. He is considering a potential new café which he said would interest many students. He also works on maintaining Baldwin’s historic buildings, coordinating with contractors, and preparing for large summer renovation projects when students are away.
Although much of the maintenance staff’s work goes unnoticed, its impact is everywhere. From snow-free walkways to working plumbing, their efforts allow students and teachers to focus on learning without worrying about the condition of the school around them.
