Baldwinsville, NY -- Jan Golden, a popular custodial aide at Baker High School in Baldwinsville, was supposed to lose her job on June 30 because of budget cuts. But thanks to a groundswell of support of Golden by Baker High School students, the board of education officially reinstated Golden’s job and another custodial aide position at Monday night’s meeting....
Jan GoldenBaldwinsville, NY -- Jan Golden, a popular custodial aide at Baker High School in Baldwinsville, was supposed to lose her job on June 30 because of budget cuts.
But thanks to a groundswell of support of Golden by Baker High School students, the board of education officially reinstated Golden’s job and another custodial aide position at Monday night’s meeting.
“These are terrific kids,” Golden said after the meeting. “I owe my life to them.”
The Baldwinsville Central School District’s 2010-2011 budget calls for elimination of 92 positions, which will result in layoff for 30 people.
“We were able to move things around in the budget and reinstate two assistant custodial jobs,” said board president Victor Jenkins, who acknowledge the passionate work by Baker High School students.
“She came to us and she was so upset,” said Rebecca Kelly, a senior at Baker High School. “We knew we had to do something to save her job.”
In an effort to save Golden’s job, Baker High School junior Alexander Nagy started a Facebook page. There were more than 1,800 fans of the group Monday. Tim Spurchise, 17, also created a documentary to show to the board of education and administrators.
“It took us 38 days to save Jan’s job,” Spurchise said. “We are very happy.”
Kelly said she’s proud that they were able to help Golden.
“She’s the heart and soul of Baker High School,” Kelly said. “Everyone who has come to this school knows her. If she ever sees you when you’re feeling down, she’ll try to help.”
Current students and Baker graduates believe Golden is more than a custodian.
“She goes above and beyond her job,” said Matt Taylor, a 2008 graduate.
Golden, 47, has lived in Baldwinsville all her life. She graduated from Baker High School in 1981 and has worked for the district for 29 years.
She found out on Thursday that her job would be reinstated if she agreed to rotate into work in other district buildings. The first thing Golden did was contact the students who helped her.
“I was so excited,” Golden said.
“I just want to thank everyone,” said Golden, who admitted to being devastated when she learned that her job was being cut.
“I’m really thankful to keep my job.”