The Ellensburg School District takes care of eight facilities across seven locations, including all school buildings, the district office, the transportation center, and the print shop. The maintenance and grounds team is led by a director and supported by a skilled craftsman, a grounds foreman, and three maintenance helpers. Together, they help ensure our schools are safe, clean, and ready for learning every day.
The grounds team manages the safety and appearance of outdoor spaces by mowing, irrigating, and maintaining lawns, fields, and parking lots. They also apply treatments to support healthy landscapes. The foreman oversees more than 80 acres of outdoor space across the district, while the helpers support daily upkeep and assist with other facility needs.
Facility maintenance includes day-to-day repairs and technical systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The skilled craftsman focuses on keeping these systems running smoothly in every building to support comfort and efficiency for students and staff.
The custodial staff cleans over 600,000 square feet of indoor space districtwide. They maintain classrooms, hallways, offices, and shared areas to create a healthy environment where students can learn and grow. This team also handles small repairs and provides support during school events and daily operations.
The team covers:
527,434 sq ft of permanent building space
159,105 sq ft of additional space, including portables, the transportation center, print shop, and district offices
125.71 acres of district-owned property
We have 18 dedicated staff members, including five head custodians, two lead custodians (at the middle and high school), and 11 custodians. Their work includes daily cleaning, small maintenance tasks, and supporting school operations throughout each day.
Our grounds team maintains the safety and appearance of school campuses, including lawns, parking lots, and athletic fields. Key responsibilities include:
Mowing and landscaping
Irrigation and weed control
Responsible use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
The Grounds Foreman oversees 83.77 acres of lawns, sports fields (including athletic fields owned by the City of Ellensburg), irrigation systems, and parking areas. Three Grounds Maintenance Helpers assist with mowing, pruning, and other tasks, often supporting the Skilled Craftsman as needed.
Director of Maintenance and Facilities
randy.acker@esd401.org
(509)925-8108