Mr. Christman is "Breaking the Janitor Stereotype"

[This story, written by BASH communications intern, Morgan Dwornik, is reprinted from the Boyertown Area School District's weekly digital newsletter, "Let's Talk Tuesdays." Morgan is a senior and editor of the high school newspaper, The Cub.]

Typically when I think of a janitor, I think of some "Janitor Joe" coming around daily to clean up the messes made after 7th-period lunch. Upon speaking with Rick Christman, I learned I could not be further from the truth. Mr. Christman is one of the most well-known guys in the District, and he just happens to be the head custodian at Colebrookdale Elementary. 

Mr. Chistman wasn't always involved in the custodial industry. In fact, he was a pastor for 23 years before he came to Boyertown. He got his start as a children's pastor at Trinity Church. After 8 or 9 years of ministry, he was invited to start a brand new church. When he was offered this opportunity, it was genuinely compelling simply because of his love for the kids, but he had ultimately decided he needed a new job. 

Throughout his search for a new job, Mr. Christman applied for 45 different positions! However, every. single. one. told him he was overqualified, even Home Depot. Eventually, he heard through the grapevine about an opening for a courier in BASD. At this point, why not give it a shot?

Going to the nine buildings throughout the District each day gave Mr. Christman a gateway into the District, unlike many others get to experience, opening new opportunities and making many connections. However, after eight and a half years of driving 68 miles each day, when he heard about the brand new opening of head custodian at Colebrookdale, he knew that's where he was meant to be! 

Following the end of Covid a year and a half ago, Mr. Christman made his debut as head custodian. He loves a smaller school environment so he can service, connect, and get to know people in a closer way. Connecting with the students and staff at Colebrookdale is the best part of his job. He says his two big things in life are "making connections and asking if you are okay."

Mr. Christman knows that without 23 years of ministry in his life, he would not have such a great passion for making the true human connections he does today. Colebrookdale is truly fortunate to have such a caring and kindhearted staff member to serve and welcome them into their building each day.

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