By Brandi Makuski

After 9 months of debate, the Stevens Point Public School Board on Monday night approved a contract with Clean Power for district custodial services.

Board members Kim Shirek and Lisa Totten alone voted against the contract, which lasts for 5 years. As part of the contract, the district can terminate the company’s services at any time with 30 days written noticed.

Board Member Kim Shirek said she wanted the contract to include a shared overtime schedule because she said she heard a lot of overtime was being given to Clean Power workers instead of the district’s own custodial staff.

Building and Grounds Director Don Keck said district employees are given the right of first refusal when it comes to overtime.

“We ask them three times if anyone is interested in the overtime,” Keck told the board Monday. “If it is not accepted we then offer it to Clean Power.”

Keck said he did not immediately know how much in overtime wages had been given up by district employees.

Check back for full story.