By Isabel Lee
Opinion Editor
PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) Campus Clean Up Day was originally scheduled for Dec. 7, but has now been postponed until Jan. 11, a real-time example of the campus’ cleanliness falling low on the school’s list of priorities.
It would be, by lack of a better word, absurd, to declare Costa a landmark of consistency. Consequently, it is absolutely necessary to commend the hilariously exceptional dependability of our students’ proficiency in the art of littering.
Quentin “Q” Coffey has worked here for ten years. Coffey likes Costa, he likes the students. The students must not like him back, because those five steps from the table to the trash can and back, tragically, seem too troublesome to endure. Coffey describes the campus after breaks to look as if “a tornado hit it”.
Costa, in comparison with surrounding districts, has the lowest paid workers. In MBUSD, their average starting salary is $15.78. In Torrance, it’s $24.71. According to Coffey, Costa’s maintenance staff has not received new equipment for thirty to forty years, nor do they have the necessary funding to do so. Even so, Coffey has admitted that what is still the most frustrating thing about his job is the lack of staff members for the size of the campus.
While some may point out that it is the maintenance staff’s job to clean up after students, the common “It’s their job” opinion solidifies in the community an “us” and “them” mindset—one that does not benefit either party in the long run.
Treatment of the campus translates to that of the staff. It is basic respect for another human being, and of their time and effort. Students with a privileged mentality must tap into their obsolete empathy and realize that disregard for any of these things is limited.
The maintenance staff’s workloads are far higher than their contractual duties, and they are being compensated for even less. It’s the students’ campus too, and Costa’s workers spend most of their day cleaning up unnecessary messes. These workers are underpaid and understaffed. Making their lives a little easier is not a crime. Littering, however, in the state of California, is.
When asked if he felt appreciated, Coffey replied thoughtfully, “Sometimes”. Pushed on this, he added, “We would have more help if they appreciated us.”
It is not a matter of practicality, but character. Students not picking up after themselves in a common area only reflects a culture prominent not just of Costa, but also other wealthy areas: entitlement leads to lack of personal accountability. The maintenance workers at Costa do their job incredibly, and should be respected. It’s not too late to show your appreciation. Participate in the Jan. 11 Campus Clean Up Day.
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