My father has worked for the East Brunswick school district for 36 years, dedicating his life to ensuring that our schools are clean, safe, and welcoming for our children. In those years, he's become more than just a custodian; he's become part of the school community, forming bonds with students, teachers, and parents alike. His presence is a comforting reminder of consistency and commitment to quality.

However, the East Brunswick public schools are planning to make budget cuts that will effectively eliminate these invaluable positions and replace them with outsourced private companies. This decision not only threatens the livelihood of employees like my father but also disrupts the secure and familiar environment our children rely on.

It's essential to understand the broader implications of such a move. When custodians are replaced by third-party companies, the focus often shifts from community health and safety to cutting costs. This can lead to inadequate cleaning procedures, less accountability, and a revolving door of temporary workers who lack the personal investment in our schools' well-being. Furthermore, jobs that provide health insurance and stability for families could be lost, affecting not only the custodians but also their families who depend on these benefits.

Consider the impact on the school's culture: Custodians are the silent guardians of our children's learning spaces, ensuring that they are protected from illnesses and able to learn in a distraction-free environment. They are often the first to notice issues that teachers may not see and are always ready to lend a helping hand. Outsourcing these essential roles may result in a loss of this personalized, caring touch.

We urge the East Brunswick school board to reconsider this outsourcing plan and explore alternative solutions to budget constraints that do not jeopardize the welfare of dedicated employees and the education quality of our students. Cost-saving measures must not come at the expense of our community's health and the security of our children's educational environment.

Please sign this petition to support our custodians and maintain the standard of excellence in East Brunswick public schools. Your signature can help preserve the jobs of those who care for our schools and ensure our children's safety and well-being.