Board approves robotic scrubbers, vacuums for two schools and reallocates half‑time custodial role

The Waunakee Community School District board approved a facility committee recommendation to expand robotic cleaning technology to the intermediate school and the high school south campus and to reallocate a half‑time intermediate custodial FTE.

Stephen, presenting the facility committee recommendation, said the earlier trial at the high school and an elementary school had performed well and that deploying two scrubbers and two vacuums (one of each at each building) would improve cleaning frequency and allow staff to be redeployed. “That technology certainly does have an upfront investment but the return on investment is fairly quick,” Stephen said, noting the committee recommended the purchase by a 3–0 vote.

Administrators said the machines are programmable to operate on second shift and that principals would determine specific cleaning programs for their buildings. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.