Just before spring break for students and staff at Pascack Valley Regional High School District, the custodial staff was notified of budget cuts which could result in them being replaced by a private company. The district would potentially be outsourcing custodial work.

Below is a statement from Interim Superintendent Dirk Phillips.

“The Pascack Valley Regional High School District recently developed its 2026-2027 budget. This process was challenging due to rising expenses, particularly in healthcare. To maintain staff, programs, and class sizes in the future, the Board of Education is considering cost-saving measures, including the potential outsourcing of custodial services. We are in the early stages of this review and are required by State code to notify the Pascack Valley Regional Support Staff Association. Currently, the District is gathering information to make a well-informed and responsible decision for our schools and taxpayers.” 

Privatization of custodial services is only an option when contracts are up. Notice had to be given to the support staff union, of which custodians are members, 90 days before the end of the current contract. Support staff received the notification at the end of the negotiation session prior to Spring Break. Our custodians would be replaced by people working from an outside company.

It has not yet been confirmed whether this topic will be on the agenda for Monday night’s Board of Education meeting. Some teachers intend to attend the meeting or write letters to the board in support of the district’s existing custodial staff.

This is an ongoing story that The Valley Echo will continue to cover as more information is made available.