North Gwinnett News

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe and clean environment for its students. The maintenance team at GCPS handles over 80,000 tasks annually to ensure this goal is met. Every morning, the Grounds and Building Maintenance teams identify and address issues reported from the previous day, aiming to resolve them before school starts.

Matthew Tucker, a playground safety technician at GCPS, expressed his personal connection to the work: "Helping to create and maintain spaces in and around GCPS is very personal to me. I am a resident of Gwinnett County, and my children attend Gwinnett County Public Schools. By creating and maintaining these spaces, my co-workers and I can set good examples for my children and others. This allows them to grow up with safe, clean, and beautiful as an expectation, which will impact the long-term health of my children and community."

The maintenance team consists of staff with two to five years of experience in skilled trades. They tackle daily issues such as removing hazardous trees, repairing sidewalks, maintaining fences, alongside regular inspections. The team includes professionals from various technical trade areas including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, heating, air conditioning, energy management, xeriscape landscaping, and water conservation.

The dedication of the maintenance team contributes to a positive learning environment for students at GCPS. Their efforts not only benefit students but also inspire them to consider careers in similar fields. Students have access to more than 60 Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) pathways offered by the district. These pathways cover diverse areas from Agriculture and Construction to Media Production.

For more information on career pathways available through CTAE programs at middle or high schools within the district, visit the CTAE page on the GCPS website.