Building and Grounds Crew: The Team That Keeps Utica Running Strong

Behind every pristine blade of grass, every shoveled walkway and every event setup is a well-oiled machine: the Utica City School District’s Building and Grounds Crew. Keeping school facilities looking impeccable across 13 school buildings is a monumental task. Yet, they execute it with excellence every time. Always the first on scene and the last to leave, they are true unsung heroes of the district. 

For every obstacle, they find an answer. For every problem, they find a solution, making them a vital member of Utica’s ecosystem. Custodians, athletic caretakers, maintenance and trades workers prepare our schools long before faculty and students arrive in the morning. When game day comes, the Raiders' sports fields are ready and looking sharp, thanks to their magic. They are always on call, responding whenever needs arise. This group rarely asks for thanks, but today we want to give them just that. We appreciate their important work and the role they play in our district every day. District-wide, we put our best foot forward because we have the hardest-working building and grounds team.

These employees often fly under the radar. As we kick off the school year, we want to shine a light on them and praise their outstanding work ethic. This week, we hosted an appreciation lunch for the building and grounds department. It was a moment to recognize their relentless commitment to excellence. 

The Building and Grounds Crew plays a crucial role in achieving the district's SMART goals. A well-maintained and clean environment is essential for improving student attendance, as it creates a welcoming and safe atmosphere that encourages students to come to school. When students and staff feel comfortable, it can also lead to fewer behavioral issues, reducing out-of-school suspensions by minimizing triggers tied to a negative environment. Furthermore, the upkeep of school facilities is vital for teacher retention. A well-cared-for campus results in job satisfaction and pride among staff, making them more likely to remain with the district. In essence, the crew's work provides the foundation that supports both the academic and social-emotional success of the entire school community.

Thank you, Building and Grounds Crew. You are all Utica Gems. Your professionalism makes us all brighter. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your commitment to the Utica City School District.

Michael Ferraro - Director of Facilities, Planning and Development

Mark Paciello 

Dan Post

Dave Brescia

Roman Carderelli

Rich Demkowitch

Ed Diviccaro

Nick DiViccaro

Bill Flagg

John Napoli

Sabahudin Husic

Tom Kane

Mejaz Karabegoivc

Dave Lopiccolo

Dominick Mott

Frank Pelli

Zlatan Puric

Ed Race

Jasmin Skiljan

Ron Ellis

Shaun McDaniels

John Mudrie

Alphonse Napoli

Joe Tartaglia

Joe Taurisani

Paul Warmuth

Ed Zegarelli

Oliver Crewe

Emir Grgic

James Olds

Anthony Spataro

Tiffany Service 

Dorene Brescia 

Сарах Хаммонд 

Mark Vandreason

 

Not Pictured:

Zlatan Puric

Ed DiViccaro

Alexandria Fiorenza

James Olds

Mike Kohlbrenner

Venice Ervin

Mirzet Karabegovic