Moore Public Schools has voted to turn over its custodial, grounds and maintenance operations to SSC Services for Education, a national contractor, a move that dozens of long-time district employees say hit them with little warning. The change affects roughly 322 workers and shifts their pay and benefits to SSC starting this summer. Union leaders and staff told reporters many only learned the deal was done after the school board approved the contract.
District Frames the Move as a 'People-First' Transition
Moore’s administration says the decision was made “with extreme care and caution” and that district leaders briefed affected employees before an information meeting. According to Moore Public Schools, SSC associates can keep their same school assignments and will receive an immediate $1.50 hourly increase, a 6% 401(k) company match and employer-paid health insurance. Employees will continue to accrue vacation, sick and personal leave at the same rates.
The district’s FAQ also states that Moore Public Schools will cover employees’ benefits through June 30 and SSC coverage will begin July 1, and that each worker will meet with HR and SSC representatives to go over retirements, benefits and earned leave one-on-one.
Workers and Union Say Timing Was a Shock
Employees and the Educational Support Professionals of Moore say they were blindsided by the board vote and were not consulted ahead of time. “There’s a lot of people here that have been here upwards of 20 years or more,” union leader Wilma Bunting told KOCO, adding that the superintendent reached out to meet with the union president the morning after the meeting.
Staff members told reporters they now face a stark choice: sign on as SSC associates or look for new work before the school year ends.
How Many Jobs Are Affected
Moore’s announcement says the move impacts 63 maintenance employees and 259 custodial employees, 322 positions in all, and that SSC will assume day-to-day operations related to those services. The district also highlights training opportunities, recognition awards and potential management paths for SSC associates, and says workers will be paid out for unused vacation and sick leave according to their negotiated agreements, according to Moore Public Schools.
What SSC Says About the Partnership
SSC Services for Education describes itself on its website as a national partner to schools that provides custodial, grounds and facilities maintenance services and emphasizes training and retention, according to SSC Services for Education. The company’s contact page lists a Knoxville headquarters and directs potential hires to its centralized careers portal as it works with districts on transitions.
Next Steps and Fallout
District officials say individual appointments have been scheduled so employees can review retirement, payroll and benefits details with Moore Public Schools and SSC representatives. Union leaders say many staffers remain anxious about who might replace them and how coverage will work going forward.
KOCO reported that attempts to reach SSC for comment were unsuccessful and that the union president said employees within three years of retirement would be allowed to stay on with Moore to retire on time. Community reaction is expected to surface at upcoming board meetings as the district heads into summer break and the transition takes shape.
