Describe your Spotless Space.

Location: Newport News, Virginia
Space Type: All Areas – Cafeteria, Classrooms, and Hallways

The Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) spotless space represents a district‑wide commitment to creating clean, safe, and welcoming learning environments for every student, staff member, and visitor. Our facilities include classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias that are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and appearance, ensuring spaces that support learning, wellness, and pride in our schools.

NNPS’s mission is to cultivate and empower every student’s potential through high‑quality, rigorous instruction, personalized support, and strong relationships. Clean and well‑maintained environments are a critical foundation of this mission. By providing spotless, organized, and healthy spaces, our custodial teams help ensure students can focus, thrive, and feel valued every day they walk through our doors.

From bright, orderly classrooms that promote focus and engagement, to spotless hallways that set a positive tone throughout the school day, and hygienic cafeterias that support student health and nutrition, NNPS custodial professionals take pride in their work. Their dedication, consistency, and teamwork create environments that reflect respect for our students and confidence in our community.

Our spotless spaces are more than clean buildings—they are essential learning environments where excellence, safety, and student success begin.

What specific measures do you or your team implement to ensure this space meets the highest standards of cleanliness and embodies the value of clean?

Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) maintains the highest standards of cleanliness through a comprehensive, structured, and people‑focused custodial program grounded in best practices, continuous training, and transparent communication. Our approach ensures that every classroom, hallway, and cafeteria consistently embodies the ISSA Value of Clean®, supporting health, learning, and community confidence.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

We utilize clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability across all facilities. SOPs outline daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning tasks, proper chemical usage, equipment operation, and safety protocols. These procedures ensure all custodial staff deliver uniform, high‑quality results regardless of building size or function.

Training Specialist & Professional Development

NNPS employs a Training Specialist who provides onboarding instruction, ongoing coaching, and refresher training to custodial staff. Professional development includes hands‑on demonstrations, updated cleaning methodologies, safety compliance, and infection‑prevention practices. These investments ensure our teams remain knowledgeable, confident, and aligned with evolving industry standards.

Industry‑Best ISSA Certifications

Our custodial program embraces ISSA‑recognized certifications and best practices, equipping staff with nationally and internationally respected credentials. These certifications reinforce professionalism, technical skill, and a shared commitment to excellence while aligning our practices with industry‑leading benchmarks.

Quality Assurance Program

To maintain excellence, NNPS implements a robust Quality Assurance Program that includes routine inspections, performance evaluations, and corrective‑action follow‑ups. Supervisors monitor cleanliness levels in classrooms, cafeterias, and common areas, ensuring standards are met and continuously improved. This proactive approach guarantees accountability and consistency district‑wide.

Clean School Award Recognition

Participation in the Clean School Award program reflects our dedication to creating healthy, well‑maintained learning environments. This recognition validates our custodial efforts and reinforces our commitment to cleanliness, sanitation, and student well‑being as essential components of educational success.

Candid and Open Communication

Open, candid communication is a cornerstone of our program. Custodial staff, administrators, teachers, and stakeholders collaborate through transparent feedback channels to identify needs, address concerns, and celebrate successes. This culture of trust ensures our cleaning strategies remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the needs of the school community.

Commitment to the Value of Clean®

Through structured procedures, professional training, industry certification, quality assurance, recognition programs, and open communication, NNPS custodial teams uphold an unwavering commitment to cleanliness. Our spotless spaces foster health, pride, and academic success—demonstrating that clean environments are essential to empowered learning communities.

What does having a spotless space mean to you and your team and how does it contribute to the organization’s business outcomes?

For our custodial team at Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), having a spotless space means far more than maintaining clean buildings—it represents care, respect, and accountability for every student, employee, and visitor we serve. A spotless environment reflects pride in our work and reinforces the belief that students learn best in spaces that are safe, healthy, and well‑maintained.

To our team, a spotless space is a visible commitment to excellence. Every clean classroom supports focus and academic engagement. Every sanitary cafeteria promotes student health and wellness. Every well‑maintained hallway sets a positive tone for the school community. Cleanliness communicates that students matter, staff are valued, and learning is a priority.

From an organizational perspective, cleanliness directly supports NNPS’s mission to cultivate and empower every student’s potential through high‑quality instruction, personalized support, and strong relationships. Clean, orderly environments reduce distractions, improve indoor health conditions, and create spaces where strong teacher‑student relationships can thrive. These environments contribute to increased attendance, improved morale, and higher levels of confidence among families and community stakeholders.

A spotless space also drives important business outcomes for the organization. Consistent, standards‑based cleaning helps reduce illness‑related absences for both students and staff, supporting continuity of instruction and operational efficiency. Preventive care and proper maintenance extend the life of facilities, furnishings, and equipment, protecting district investments and reducing long‑term costs. Additionally, well‑kept schools enhance NNPS’s public image, strengthening trust and pride within the community.

For our custodial team, the impact is personal and professional. Delivering spotless spaces empowers our staff, reinforces their essential role in student success, and fosters a culture of ownership and teamwork. When educators can rely on clean, safe environments, they can fully focus on teaching—and when students feel comfortable and respected in their surroundings, they are more engaged and successful.

Ultimately, having spotless spaces means creating environments where health, learning, and excellence intersect. It is how our custodial team directly contributes to positive educational outcomes, operational sustainability, and the overall success of Newport News Public Schools.

How does your facility promote sustainability and/or green cleaning?

Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) promotes sustainability and green cleaning through responsible procurement practices, environmentally conscious cleaning methods, and a commitment to safeguarding the health of students, staff, and the broader community. Our custodial program is designed to balance cleanliness excellence with environmental stewardship, ensuring our facilities support both learning and long‑term sustainability

Sustainable Procurement Guidelines

NNPS follows established procurement guidelines that prioritize safe, effective, and environmentally responsible products and services. When selecting vendors and hygiene solutions, we evaluate product performance, safety data, environmental impact, and compliance with industry standards. Preference is given to vendors that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement in their manufacturing and delivery processes.

Green Cleaning Solutions

Our green cleaning approach emphasizes the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products that reduce exposure to harsh chemicals while maintaining high levels of sanitation and effectiveness. These products are selected to support indoor air quality, minimize environmental impact, and protect the health of students, staff, and custodial professionals—especially in high‑use areas such as classrooms, cafeterias, and hallways.

Standardized Practices & Efficient Resource Use

Through Standard Operating Procedures, NNPS promotes responsible chemical dilution, proper equipment usage, and efficient water and energy consumption. These practices reduce product waste, prevent overuse, and support consistent outcomes across all facilities. Staff are trained to use the right product, in the right amount, for the right task—supporting both sustainability and safety.

Vendor Partnerships & Professional Accountability

NNPS partners with vendors who share our values of sustainability, quality, and reliability. Vendors are selected based on their ability to provide eco‑conscious solutions, training support, and products aligned with industry best practices, including ISSA standards. These partnerships help ensure our hygiene solutions evolve alongside emerging environmental and health innovations.

Alignment with Organizational Sustainability Goals

Our green cleaning program directly aligns with NNPS’s mission to cultivate and empower every student’s potential through high‑quality instruction, personalized support, and strong relationships. Clean, healthy environments support student focus, reduce absenteeism, and reinforce the district’s responsibility as a steward of public resources. Sustainable cleaning practices also support long‑term cost efficiency by protecting facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.

Culture of Responsibility and Education

Beyond products and processes, NNPS fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among custodial staff through training, professional development, and open communication. Team members are educated on sustainability principles and encouraged to take pride in contributing to healthier schools and a healthier community.

Commitment to a Sustainable Future

By integrating green cleaning principles, responsible vendor selection, efficient resource management, and professional training, NNPS demonstrates that sustainability and cleanliness go hand in hand. Our approach ensures that spotless spaces not only meet today’s needs but also protect the well‑being of future generations—reinforcing trust, stewardship, and excellence throughout our school community.

Give any examples of how you aim to create an inclusive and accessible experience in your facility for users and cleaners.

At Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), inclusivity and accessibility are foundational to how our facilities are designed, maintained, and experienced. As an educational environment serving a diverse population of students, staff, families, and visitors, we are committed to creating spaces that promote dignity, safety, and belonging for all users—while also supporting the health, comfort, and effectiveness of our custodial professionals.

Inclusive Restroom and Hygiene Solutions

NNPS facilities provide accessible restrooms that comply with ADA guidelines, ensuring ease of use for individuals with physical disabilities, mobility devices, and special needs. Many of our schools offer:

* Gender‑inclusive and single‑user restrooms where feasible
* Appropriate stall configurations and grab bars
* Touch‑free fixtures to support accessibility and hygiene

To support menstruators, restrooms are stocked with appropriate hygiene disposal solutions and sanitation supplies to ensure privacy, dignity, and comfort. These measures help reduce stigma while creating a supportive environment for students and staff.

Support for Families, Babies, and Caregivers

Our facilities are designed to support caregivers by providing:

* Appropriate restroom accommodations for students requiring assistance
* Wide hallways and doorways for strollers and mobility equipment
* Safe, clean environments that support early learners and those with developmental needs

These considerations ensure schools remain welcoming, adaptable spaces for families and caregivers interacting with the educational environment.

Accessibility for the Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities

NNPS ensures accessibility across buildings by maintaining:
* Barrier‑free entrances and clearly marked accessible routes
* Elevators, ramps, and railings as required
* Clear signage and well‑lit hallways to support visibility and navigation

Consistent cleaning and floor maintenance also reduce slip and trip hazards, directly supporting safety for elderly visitors, staff, and individuals with physical or visual impairments.

Consideration for Students with Sensory and Health Needs

Our cleaning practices support students with asthma, allergies, and sensory sensitivities by prioritizing:
* Environmentally conscious and low‑odor cleaning products
* Proper ventilation and indoor air quality practices
* Scheduled cleaning strategies that minimize classroom disruption

These efforts help create learning spaces that are inclusive for students with health-related or sensory challenges.

Ergonomic and Safe Working Conditions for Custodial Staff

Inclusivity extends to our custodial professionals. NNPS invests in:

• Ergonomic cleaning tools and equipment to reduce physical strain
• Properly labeled chemicals and dilution systems for safety and clarity
• Training in injury prevention, safe lifting, and body mechanics

Custodial closets and workspaces are organized with accessibility, safety, and efficiency in mind, ensuring staff can perform their duties confidently and comfortably.

Language Access, Training, and Open Communication

We support inclusivity through:

• Clear, visual training materials and translated resources when needed
• Hands-on instruction that accommodates varying learning styles
• Candid, open communication channels where staff can voice concerns and suggestions

This approach fosters respect, engagement, and empowerment across our workforce.

Commitment to Equity and Belonging

By integrating inclusive design, accessible hygiene solutions, health-conscious cleaning practices, and employee-centered support, NNPS ensures that our spotless spaces serve everyone equitably. These efforts reinforce our mission to cultivate and empower every student’s potential while demonstrating that safe, clean, and inclusive environments are essential to learning, well-being, and success.