Head Custodian Charles McKinney’s work is known for creating a positive, safe environment for learning at Lincoln Elementary School. According to the school’s principal, Oscar Castro, McKinney goes “above and beyond his responsibilities,” and that “he takes pride in being that role model and mentor.”
“Since joining our team, Mr. McKinney has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and visitors,” Castro said.
For McKinney, supporting young individuals started in Texas at what was known as Brownwood State Homeland School. He was there for 14 years, serving as an assistant supervisor for kids who were in trouble for the state.
“It is a gift and a calling, and not just a job,” McKinney said. “If you’re not gifted to do it, then you will not do the job well. I know that I am called to do this job.”
Working through Brownwood’s Living, Learning and Working Skills Program, he helped prepare those students for what they would face in the future. He uses the same mindset in supporting the students of Lincoln Elementary School.
“I hope to see them one day and for them to be successful in whatever position in life that they have,” McKinney said. “You never know where they’re gonna be taken in life, and you want to position them to help someone else.”
With all that he does, McKinney said the best parts of his day Lincoln Elementary are pretty consistent.
“The best part of the day are the smiles, hugs and seeing a bad situation turn into something good,” he said. “That’s what I enjoy because we see a lot of valley experiences, and the next thing you know that kid’s on the mountain top doing well.”