В штате школы в Мидлтауне появились мать и дочь-уборщицы, продолжившие семейную традицию

For Linda Young and her daughter, Shannon, keeping Central Academy clean is more than a job. It’s a family tradition. Linda Young, 52, has worked as a custodian for Middletown City Schools for seven years, but her connection to custodial and maintenance work runs much deeper. Her husband, father and grandfather all worked in similar roles for the school district or around the city. Now, Shannon Young, 27, is carrying on that legacy. The mother-daughter pair both work at Central Academy on Highview Road. Linda works the day shift, while Shannon works second shift. “It’s the kids and the people,” Linda said. “Certain days it feels like a job, but other days it’s super fun.” Before joining Middletown schools, Linda often worked around children and was drawn to a school position because of the insurance and retirement benefits. Her husband, Steven, worked as a district custodian for more than 20 years before leaving around 2020 because of a disability. Linda began her custodial career on second shift at Creekview Elementary before moving to Wildwood Elementary and Rosa Parks Elementary. When she arrived at Central Academy, she said staff members immediately made her feel at home. “The staff is very family-oriented, and they make you feel welcome,” she said. “It’s a close environment, and I really like that.” Linda and Shannon’s days often extend beyond routine custodial duties. They regularly help with school events, including graduations, festivals, walk-a-thons, Trunk or Treat, Turkey Pass and Slime Time. Teachers and parents frequently lend a hand when cleanup is needed, Shannon said. For Shannon, joining the district offered a comfortable work environment while allowing her to continue a family tradition. Shannon struggles with social anxiety, and she enjoys working second shift, where she can focus on her tasks while listening to music. She works alongside one other second-shift custodian. Linda said Shannon has a special connection with students. “Children love her,” Linda said. The two say they have always been close. “She’s my backbone,” Shannon said. “There’s no secret between us.” Shannon said she is proud to continue the family’s long history of service. That history stretches back decades. Linda’s father, Shannon’s grandfather, helped install the bleachers at Barnitz Stadium. Linda’s grandfather planted the bushes outside the former Manchester Inn. Central Academy Principal Stephen Sippel said the family’s work ethic is evident every day. “I don’t know anyone who works harder than Linda,” Sippel said. “Even through injury and difficulty, I’ve never worked with a better custodial staff. Our rooms are largely spotless, repairs are made swiftly.” When Shannon joined the staff less than a year ago, Sippel said she quickly demonstrated the same commitment. “It was a really hot summer in this building, and they made sure all the floors were waxed, all the rooms were clean,” he said. “It’s just wonderful to have that connection, also, between the two of them as mother and daughter.” Sippel said the Youngs represent more than a custodial team. “They’re not just representing themselves, they’re representing generations of hard workers,” he said. “It’s not just generations of custodians or generations of people who clean. These are people who work so hard, and so they stand for that tradition and work with that pride. It shows in the building every day.” For Linda, that recognition means a lot. “It’s really good to be appreciated,” she said. The arrangement has worked so well that both women recommend it. Shannon encourages people to work alongside their mothers if they have the opportunity, while Linda says she would recommend working with a daughter. And, Shannon added with a laugh: “I keep her on her toes.” DAYTON DAILY NEWS INVESTIGATES The Payroll Project The Dayton Daily News Payroll Project includes a searchable database of local government employee payroll data, and analysis and in-depth reporting of public employee payroll by our reporters. Governments make payroll with your money. And just like those who control private entities have not just a right, but a responsibility, to know how much those who work for them are paid, so do taxpayers. Here are some highlights from this year's Payroll Project.