For the month of November, JCSD 509J is spotlighting Gus Torres, who is the Head Custodian at Metolius Elementary and a bus driver for our district, for the work he does every day in his different roles.
He started working for the district in 2006 as a substitute. He subbed for a few years before deciding to join our district full time. He spent a year at JCMS but he has worked at Metolius for the past 13 years now. He has been a permanent bus driver for our district the past three to four years. He drives a route in the morning and the afternoon on top of his responsibilities as head custodian at Metolius.
“I come in early and then I go drive my route and then I come back and after I get off here, I go and drive again,” he said. “I’m happy to help out because we have to bring the kids and take the kids back, that is how we keep the school going.”
Torres loves working at Metolius elementary. Saying it is a family like atmosphere where everybody in the building takes care of each other and is there to support one another.
“The support you get, it’s nice to know that you can count on coworkers and stuff and people like that,” he said. This is to me this second home for everybody. The teachers, the kids, they spend a lot of time here beside their home. This is the second place they spend most of the time so I think it’s nice that they can come to a place that they can be appreciated. They can feel comfortable because it’s nice and clean.”
Below is his nomination,
“Gus has been the head custodian at Metolius for many years and is well loved by that school. He doesn’t shy away from any challenges the day may bring and everyone at the school knows that he will also be there for them as people. He is always there and does it will a smile. On top of that, he drives a school bus for us every day. With the shortage in drivers, Gus shows up and drives whatever is needed for the transportation department. Overall, Gus is an amazing person and we are very lucky to have him. I have the honor of being his supervisor and the privilege of being his friend. He has not only been a great team player but a great person that I have been able to learn from as well.”