During a Special Called meeting on June 6, the Shelby County Board of Education approved the custodial service agreement with ServiceMaster to provide a living wage for custodial cleaning services for all District schools, athletic facilities, and administrative offices. 

Reimagining education, schools, and communities remains the District’s priority, which is why Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray proposed that the District requires custodial vendors to provide a living wage. Securing a living wage enables staff, who are members of the Mid-South community, to have a better opportunity to take care of their families. 

“We have history in this city when it comes to sanitation,” said Dr. Ray. “This is a moment when we can get this right. Not only for these families, but also for the entire city and county. This is about respecting the humanity of our custodial workers with a living wage. This is about respect and dignity.”

"I’m delighted that the Board decided to approve this contract,” said School Board Chair Michelle R. McKissack. “At the end of the day, these are the people who are interacting with our children, trying to make it the best learning environment. They deserve to have this living wage.”