© 2010 GRBS. All rights reserved.

1200 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI, 49504

email: info@grbsinc.com | call: (800) 441-4463

Since 1915

K-12 Public Schools, Private Schools, Universities, and Higher Education

Should We Contract Our Cleaning?

The number one reason schools are considering contract cleaning is to save their district money; to reduce significant budget deficits, to save programs in jeopardy of being eliminated, to protect teacher’s benefit packages and even teacher’s jobs.

The second reason schools are looking at going to contract cleaning is because reduced staffing caused by reduced budgets is deteriorating the appearance and cleanliness, which also increases bacteria and germs.  Simply put, the schools aren’t clean.  Contracting the cleaning ensures staffing levels are kept each day to clean the school to the agreed upon schedule. 

A Third reason some schools contract is the high rate of absenteeism they have with current staff. With contract cleaning, there is a 0% absentee rate because back up staffing is part of the price. Back up personnel are badged and trained for schools. Attendance issues are not a factor.

Custodial Services in a School Environment

Working with children:

It is our responsibility to have safe and productive individuals on site who behave  appropriately around children. We take that responsibility very seriously.

Screening Process:

All employees must be pre-screened for criminal background and social security to ensure they are legally able to work in the U.S. (or their criminal background is invalid). Drug screens are also performed. These checks are conducted annually to ensure status of staff member remains crime and drug free. We cannot be too careful in our screening as we are working around children.

Customer Service Training:

Employees will receive training in appropriate communication with faculty and children (polite, friendly, courteous, and helpful) but NOT to approach or engage the faculty or children in any other communication. This will gain the professional respect we need to successfully be accepted.

Uniformed/Badge Employees:

All employees will be in GRBS polo shirts and khaki pants, so they are easily identified as part of the custodial team

Zero Tolerance:

Unlike in-house programs, GRBS has a zero tolerance for any theft, drug use or violent behaviors in or out of the workplace. GRBS employees are given additional behavioral testing in our pre-screening process to reduce the risk of these behaviors and GRBS dose not allow anyone to be employed who has a Felony OR Misdemeanor for theft, drug use or violent crimes.

Custodial Survival Tool Kit

Are you interested in learning more about contract cleaning in schools? We have a Tool Kit that contains the following:

• Sample RFP
  

• Sample Contract Language
  

• Evaluation Guidelines
  

• What can the District expect in an RFP and Contracting Process
  

• Estimated savings if you Contract
  

This enables you to be prepared in case you wish to investigate contract cleaning savings on behalf of the District or the School Board. Please call 800-441-4463 and ask for Michelle, Rex or Karin for your Contract Survival Tool Kit.