A Clean Re-Start for California Schools: Maintenance & Operations Professionals Weigh In

What will it take so schools across California can re-open in ways that are safe for students and staff? 

In this special episode, we explore key considerations and questions related to school facilities, operations and custodial services posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Special guests Tony Almeida -- Custodial Manager for Elk Grove USD in Sacramento County -- and Paulo Azevedo -- Director of Maintenance. Operations, Transportation and Facilities for San Ysidro SD in San Diego County -- offer their professional insights into the challenges and complexities of school cleaning and disinfecting amid the pandemic. 

Plus, they help identify key questions districts and communities should be considering as they plan to successfully re-start schools. 

As a special feature, we also talk with a high school student to hear her vital perspective and concerns before going back to campus. 

Note: We have changed our series format during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide more topical guidance and inspiring stories about how California schools are addressing the crisis.

About Our Guests

Paulo Azevedo has served in his role at San Ysidro for 1 1/2 years. Prior to that he held facilities and operations leadership positions with several private corporations. At San Ysidro School District, he is part of the Superintendent's cabinet and is responsible for overseeing seven campuses serving more than 4,000 students. He also serves on CASBO's Professional Council for Maintenance & Operations. Contact Paulo at: [email protected]

Tony Almeida has served in cleaning industry for 32 years, 25 years in public education and seven in private industry. In his current role at Elk Grove USD, he oversees 75 buildings with more than 6 million square feet and 287 full-time staff members. Tony and the EGUSD Maintenance & Operations department are very passionate about green cleaning, sustainable and healthier solutions for school environments. EGUSD was the first district in California to use OSG (on site generation) of electro-chemically activated solutions.Tony currently is also an active steering committee member for Healthy Green Schools and Colleges and his district are current members of the International Sanitary Suppliers Association (ISSA). He has served as the professional council chair for CASBO section board for Maintenance & Operations. His department won the Green Cleaning award for Schools and Universities Silver award in 2017. Tony also has served on the HFI field advisory board for the Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI). Contact Tony at: [email protected]

About CASBO

The California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) is the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California's school business leaders. CASBO is dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalism in all aspects of school business.

About your series guide

Paul Richman is a public education advocate and consultant. Contact him at [email protected] -- we value your feedback and ideas!