Athens custodian honored for commitment to his job

The Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) recognized Tanner Nowacki, daytime custodian for the School District of Athens, as the recipient of one of four 2023 WASBO Custodian/Maintenance Professional of the Year Awards on Feb. 13 during the 2024 Facilities Management Conference at the Kalahari Convention Center.

The Custodian/Maintenance Professional of the Year Award — sponsored by SERVPRO — acknowledges the outstanding contributions of those who are making a difference to their local school district, community, and the custodial and maintenance profession.

Nowacki is being recognized for his tireless dedication to his district and his passion for the custodial profession. Nowacki has been involved in the custodial profession since he was a high school student. As a summer student custodian, Nowacki wanted to learn how to wax the floors and paint the football field. He would even serve as a substitute custodian during the school year and was hired as a full-time custodian after he graduated.

Throughout his time as a custodian, Nowacki tries every day to make the school as clean and secure as possible for students and staff, even covering night shifts at other buildings after a full day’s work.

WASBO provides professional development for school business staff, fosters a network of support, and advocates for funding that ensures outstanding educational opportunities for all children in Wisconsin.

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR - Tanner Nowacki, center, a daytime custodian at the School District of Athens, was honored at Monday night’s school board meeting for receiving the 2023 Custodian Maintenance Professional of the Year Award. Also pictured to the left is Jamey Handschke, Athens School District buildings and grounds supervisor and Tim Krueger, Athens Board of Education president.

STAFF PHOTO/CASEY KRAUTKRAMER