I’m a Cleaner at a New York City Public School. The Pandemic Has Thrown My Plans Out the Window. – The New Republic

Im a local guy from the Rockaways, and my school is located in Far Rockaway, Queens. Ive been in the system for 22 years. I like my job; some people try to put us downTheyre janitorsbut I know we matter.

Over the summer, we stayed busy doing what we would normally do: deep-cleaning the buildings. But we were just waiting. Every time you turned around, you heard something different. I am a very regimented and organized person, but we really couldnt plan anything. Things would change on a dime. If I knew what was going on, I could implement a planthen a backup plan, then a backup plan.

This is what should have been talked about and discussed when we first had the shutdown in March: When September rolls around, if its really, really bad, this is what well do. If its not so bad, this is what well do. You should have had a couple of plans on the tablethats what I think, but what do I know, right? It felt rushed when they decided to reopen.

But over here at my school, I think the administration is doing a good job. I feel safe. I just go to work and home, work and home. I ride my bike, and thats it, really. Once Im in the house, Im in the house. The union has made sure we have PPE and what we need. They let us know whats approved, whats not. Its just reassuring.

Of the staff members still here since we reopenedthe kitchen, the securityits kind of like being snowed in. You bond. Were all weve got in terms of human contact. We talk about what weve heard, compare notes. But its just so many less students, like a ghost town. The kids are all spread out for social distancing. I hardly see anyone.

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I'm a Cleaner at a New York City Public School. The Pandemic Has Thrown My Plans Out the Window. - The New Republic