Jon Barth, FPS Director of Facilities Management and Transportation, earned an Honorable Mention at MSBO Meridian Awards
Farmington Public Schools’ (FPS) Director of Facilities Management and Transportation, Jon Barth, earned an Honorable Mention Award for the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) 2023 Meridian Award of Excellence.
Barth was nominated for the award by FPS Superintendent Dr. Christopher Delgado for his hard work on their newly adapted Hybrid Custodial Service Model.
In the midst of a global pandemic, it became apparent that the health and safety of the FPS District was at jeopardy due to the lack of effort put forth by the previously contracted custodial services company. After numerous meetings, and promises of improvement, the custodial company still was not cleaning at a standard that FPS was happy with. This is when Jon Barth jumped into action.
“Mr. Barth took it upon himself to design an entirely new custodial services cleaning model,” said Superintendent Dr. Delgado. “This model would not only re-introduce the idea of building pride by hiring new FPS head custodians, but also reduce the number of contracted cleaners needed and provide oversight by FPS staff to monitor contracted cleaning in the evening.”
Between keeping within budget, ending a services agreement mid contract and hosting a job fair, all based on a newly designed model in the middle of a pandemic was not an easy feat. However, the end result is now clean and disinfected buildings, with a new custodial services company and the District’s own FPS head custodians and FPS evening foreman.
Teachers are ecstatic about the new system after being disappointed by the previous two custodial companies and their lack of cleaning. Additionally, parents are happy that their kids are safe.
Barth has shared his newly constructed model with districts across the state who are struggling with similar outsourcing issues. He has also held various one-on-one meetings with other facility directors, as well as sharing his model at MSBO Facility Town Hall meetings.
According to their website, The MSBO Meridian Award of Excellence is a special recognition award acknowledging successful practices in all areas of school management and education. Practices must be implemented in a district and applicants must document benefits to the district or MSBO.
Barth has won the MSBO Meridian Award of Excellence multiple times in the past. Congratulations, Jon Barth! We are so thankful for your dedication and hard work!
