Woodward Academy offers pre-K to 12th grade college-preparatory education to 2,700 students in the metro Atlanta, GA area. Founded in 1900 as Georgia Military Academy, the independent school changed their name in 1966 as they phased their military program out. Today, Woodward Academy attracts students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to its 38 buildings spread over three different campuses.
When Leo Barrios joined the school as Assistant Director of Facilities (Services) six years ago he was pleased to find four Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning® machines on site. But those feelings quickly soured when he learned that the two KaiVac® 1750 and two KaiVac® 2750 machines were idling away in storage.
“I used the Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning systems at my last job, so I know how well these machines clean,” he remembers. “I wanted to bring those benefits to Woodward Academy.”
Barrios implemented a training program for the school’s cleaning staff of 17 day porters and 55 night shift housekeepers. Lessons began with what Barrios calls culture training. “I set expectations. We talk about what cleaning is, why we do it, and why we have this equipment.”
For hands-on instruction, Barrios relies on the KaiTutor™ comprehensive video training system. The tool allows his team to operate and maintain the No-Touch Cleaning machines with confidence. Even though the market for cleaning staff is competitive, (Barrios admits to being consistently short 12 employees for the last 12 months) KaiTutor brings new hires up to speed quickly.
Today, the four machines are out of storage and in the field. Staff use them a few times a week in the primary and middle school restrooms. Barrios notices a big difference in cleaning quality on the days the Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning machines are used. “I can tell the minute I walk in,” he says. “Especially when I look at the corners.”
Staff are also feeling a sense of accomplishment after using the No-Touch Cleaning system. “They are learning that cleaning restrooms can be done efficiently with less physical effort and without touching surfaces.”
To accomplish that, Barrios plans to buy more machines and boost usage frequency to every day. Along with superior cleaning results, Barrios also appreciates the ease of operation, simplicity of chemical use, and standardized training delivered by the KaiTutor.
