Every morning before the first bell rings, the school slowly wakes up as hallway lights flicker on, footsteps faintly pass through, and the smell of freshly cleaned floors lingers in the air. Most students hurry past without a second thought, but behind the scenes is a team of people whose work begins long before the building fills with noise and chaos.
Rolando Martinez, the temporary lead custodian, has been part of the school community since August. After spending 13 years as the lead at Four Points Middle School, Martinez stepped into a role filled with new challenges, longer days, and responsibilities that extend far beyond what most students see. From managing emergencies to responding to last-minute requests, his day rarely follows a predictable schedule.
“My job has a lot of challenges and it’s very tough, but I want people to know that I like to keep the school clean for students learning,” Martinez said.
While many students may only notice the polished hallways or tidy classrooms, Martinez sees his work as “something bigger.” A clean school, to him, represents respect for students, teachers, and for the community as a whole. That sense of responsibility drives him through even the most demanding days. Whether it’s addressing an unexpected issue or helping with whatever is needed at a moment’s notice, he considers that reliability a major part of his role.
“All teachers depend on me for whatever they need. I’m always happy to help them no matter what,” Martinez said.
Despite the long hours and constant responsibilities, the most meaningful moments for Martinez are often the simplest ones. In between tasks, conversations with students remind him why the work matters. Those genuine moments are what make the challenges worth it.
“[My favorite part of the job] is when teachers and students come and thank me for keeping this school clean,” Martinez said.
That gratitude stays with him. According to Martinez, a quick “thank you” in the hallway or a smile from a student validates the effort Martinez and his team puts in behind the scenes. For Martinez, those moments turn mundane routine work into something deeper and personal.
“Well, I just want them to feel comfortable to come to a clean school every morning,” Martinez said.
Even during hectic days filled with unexpected messages or emergencies, Martinez remains calm and steady. No matter the situation, he approaches each challenge with determination.
“My approach is to just do it no matter what. This is my job, and I just like to help people,” Martinez said.
Since arriving to the school, Martinez has noticed a visible transformation within the school. According to him, although the changes may seem subtle at first, to those who spend their days in the building, the difference is clear.
“I have gotten a lot of good comments, not only from the office staff, but from teachers, they tell me that the school has changed a lot with being managed better,” Martinez said.
While students may remember their classes, friends, and activities, the atmosphere that surrounds those memories is shaped by people like Martinez and the dedicated team of custodians.
“I want to make sure this school stays clean and happy,” Martinez said. “I hope the students here will feel that from my work.”
