Staff Focus: Chris Edwards, Office of Custodial Services

January 14th, 2016

Chris Edwards has been a supervisor in the HCPSS Office of Custodial Services for more than 22 years. Custodial Services works to provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for the students, teachers and staff of Howard County schools.

The primary responsibility of this office is to keep the buildings, grounds, sidewalks and fields clean and conducive to learning. Edwards takes pride in the many compliments he hears about HCPSS school cleanliness because as he explained, “If something is clean, you can focus on what you need to focus on, your school work.”

Edwards has a reputation for consistently performing any type of job, at any hour of the day and under any weather condition. HCPSS Director of School Facilities Olivia Claus commends Edwards’ dedication, especially on winter weather days, saying “Before the first snowflake falls, he calls to ask where he should report and what needs to be accomplished, collects the equipment needed and travels throughout the county to assist team members. He works diligently and without complaint until the last sidewalk has been cleared and schools are safe for students and staff to return.”

Edwards said, “Whenever there’s snow, I live close, so I’m the first one to come in,” and sometimes that means as early as 3 am. Edwards–along with his team members from grounds, custodial services, building services and transportation offices, and more–does whatever he can to help open the schools, whether that involves salt, snow shoveling or tractors. He’s in constant motion, going to six to eight schools in a day, or more, until they’re all ready for learning.

From a day to day perspective, Edwards said, “My typical day is a surprise. My schedule is open, so if someone is sick and cannot come in, I can drop what I’m doing, and everything is still on point.” Edwards is always ready with his truck filled with equipment, so he can provide extra support for instances like graffiti or flooding. His assistance enables school-based staff members to stay focused on the general keeping of their school building.

Edwards’ strong work ethic stems from a family value. He shared, “My mom is 80 years old, retired. She still gets up at 5 am, and cleans and does things every day.” Also, his sister, Dorothy Green, is a custodial floater in the HCPSS and is someone “everyone wants to come to their school because she makes sure the job gets done.”

Before HCPSS, Edwards cleaned houses. Upon joining the school system, he started in school-based positions, working at Centennial, Mount Hebron and Hammond high schools. Now he oversees the cleanliness of 70 buildings throughout the county.

Edwards loves his work because “I’m a people person and love being active. I love meeting people and helping them out. I believe everyone has something to offer. This job is a great opportunity to further yourself.” Edwards also enjoys working in the county he resides in–he had moved here to send his six kids to HCPSS schools.

Robert Arnold, a floater supervisor and co-worker and close friend of Edwards for more than two decades, appreciates Edwards’ enthusiasm, describing him as “hard working,” “funny,” “outgoing” and “very dependable–always only a phone call away.”

Claus continued her praise of Edwards’ work with, “Chris’ knowledge of schools and strong commitment to safety come first in every task he is assigned. Chris is an individual who exemplifies enthusiasm and commitment to his job and is constantly performing and striving to achieve the greatest success. No matter what the task assigned, he shows up to work with a smile, mentors team members and delivers the best customer service. Chris’ work ethic exemplifies Vision 2018 of HCPSS, as he aids in providing an environment conducive to the highest learning standards.”