Behind the Scenes with Building Supervisor Eric Dent

Inside Scoop visited Eleanor Roosevelt High School to get the “scoop” on what it’s like to be a school building supervisor. We interviewed Eric Dent, who has spent the past 52 years serving students at Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Hear from Eric on: the key to advancing in school operations; biggest challenge in keeping a school running smoothly; a most common misconception about the job, and more!

Q: How did you transition into your role as building supervisor? 

A: I started out as a night cleaner and observed the responsibilities of the Night Supervisor, Building Equipment Operator (BEO), and Building Supervisor. I took the initiative to speak with each of them to understand the steps required for advancement. Their advice was consistent: maintain high standards in my section, perform my duties diligently, stay out of trouble, and pursue additional training. Following their guidance, I enrolled in Boiler and Housekeeping classes to expand my skill set and advance my career. Over time, I worked my way up from a cleaner to Night Lead, then to BS2, BEO1, BS3, BS4, and ultimately to my current role as BS6. I took my time learning each level before moving forward.

Q: What does a typical day look like? 

A: My day typically begins between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., where I start by testing the Fire Alarm System by activating a different alarm station each day, and then ensuring the HVAC system is maintaining the building's temperature. I patrol the school grounds, check emails and calendar events for any scheduled tasks, and unlock doors for substitutes. Additionally, I conduct spot checks on night’s staff work to ensure everything is in order. Working with my team, we monitor and replenish 25 five-gallon water stations, making sure cups are available. Throughout the day, we address any immediate maintenance issues, such as cleaning up spills, fixing jammed lockers, unclogging toilets, replacing lights, dusting lockers and window sills, and changing filters as needed. I also submit work orders when necessary, clean up after each lunch shift, and handle deliveries from the warehouse, FedEx, and other services. 

Q: What do you like best about your job? 

A: The people: I love the staff that I work with and enjoy the students. My principal treats me as a respected team member, not just as someone performing routine tasks. I am proud to say that 80% of my staff would go above and beyond for me and are committed to meeting and exceeding their daily responsibilities.

I am grateful for the school district for supporting my family and my children’s education. Most of all, I love that I have a job that  appreciates me.

Q: What is your biggest challenge at work? 

A: One of the biggest challenges we face is finding qualified and reliable team members. Our team has been understaffed for over 12 months, which makes it difficult to maintain the level of service we strive for.

Q: What special tasks are required when schools are closed due to snow? 

A: When school is closed due to snow, we have several critical tasks to manage:

• Clearing all snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, and temporary buildings on the property
• Ensuring all adjacent sidewalks are also cleared
• Checking for potential damage, such as busted pipes, broken windows, leaks, and power issues
• Inspecting kitchen equipment for functionality, verifying that power is restored, and confirming that the heating system is working properly

Q: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about your job? 

A: The biggest misconception is that our role isn’t important, which leads to the belief that our team is dispensable. In reality, the work we do is essential for maintaining a safe and functional environment for students and staff.

Q: What personal strengths are most important for success as a building supervisor? 

A: In this position, it's important to:

• Keep an open mind
• Be flexible and willing to adjust to different situations
• Accept constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth
• Effectively manage various personalities and the challenges that come with them
• Address performance issues with professionalism, especially when dealing with difficult employees    

Q: What advice would you give someone entering this career? 

A: For someone starting in this career, my advice would be:

• Approach the job with a positive attitude
• Stay focused on your assigned tasks and responsibilities
• Avoid fraternizing with students, as maintaining professional boundaries is key
• Always listen to and follow your supervisor’s guidance when it comes to work-related matters

Q: How can your school community support you? 

A: The best way the school community can support us is by continuing to respect the building and the hard-working staff who maintain it. Simple acts like cleaning up after yourself and taking care of the space go a long way in ensuring a positive environment for everyone.