| Buildings and Grounds Staff | |
| Director of Buildings and Grounds | Gary Haines |
| Administrative Assistant | Kara McNeer |
| Phone: 515-957-3435 | |
| Head Custodians | |
| Altoona Elementary | Randall Schippers |
| Centennial Elementary | Keven Tew |
| Clay Elementary | Dennis Woodley |
| Delaware Elementary | Steve Sass |
| Four Mile Elementary | Jacquelyn Purcell |
| Mitchellville Elementary | Cheryl Blood |
| Runnells Elementary | Debbie Waltz |
| Willowbrook Elementary | Lisa Bettin |
| Spring Creek Sixth Grade | Josh Johnson |
| Junior High | Jeff Shannon |
| Harbor Alternative | Cindy Keithline |
| Facility Manager | Joe Sullivan |
| District Warehouse | Dan Lawson |
| Head of Grounds | Kirk McClelland |
| Head of Maintenance | Neil Paddock |
| Environmental Evaluator | |
Based on the number of cases of recycled hand towels and bath tissue SEP uses each year, the school district is saving:
Source: recycledproducts.org |
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| Links | |
| GreenSeal.org | |
| Healthy Schools Campaign | |
| MRSA Information | |
| Spartan Chemical | |
Southeast Polk has a new school color – Green. Gary Haines, director of buildings and grounds, has led a project to convert the cleaning chemicals used in the district to all “green” products.
The district took the initiative to make the switch and has seen a considerable cost savings while reducing the exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Green cleaning products have no dyes, toxic chemicals, ozone-depleting compounds, hazardous waste or carcinogens. The result is improved indoor air quality, healthier facilities, increased productivity, reduced sick days and reduced water and air pollution.
“We are constantly looking for better ways to improve and maintain safe environments,” said Haines. “These chemicals we are using now are healthier for students, staff, visitors and custodians.”
A recent study on two different schools using these products found that:
- the number of doctor visits declined by 34%
- passing reading scores on standardized tests increased by 27%
- attendance increased by 4.5%
- total illnesses declined by 24%
The process started by interviewing three companies. The head custodians had the opportunity to sample all of the products before one, Spartan Chemical Company, Inc., was chosen because it offered the widest variety of products for the district’s needs.
All the new products are Green Seal Certified, meaning they meet Green Seal’s environmental standard for industrial and institutional cleaners. Green Seal, an independent non-profit organization, promotes the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services.
“I was told by Spartan Chemical that we are the first school district in the state to be totally Green Seal Certified,” Haines said.
If you want to follow in the district’s footsteps and start green cleaning in your home, just look for products with the Green Seal. While most of Green Seal’s focus has been on the business market, you can find some Green Seal Certified products in "big box" retail stores. For more information, visit www.greenseal.org or www.spartanchemical.com.