Going beyond the broom: How custodian Floyd Faulk makes a difference

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - Whether it’s mopping, sweeping, or wiping down windows, Floyd Faulk does it all for the school that holds a special place in his heart.

“I went to school here back in 1975,” said Faulk, the Head Custodian at Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School. “I never even dreamed that I would come back here and work.”

It’s an opportunity he took to come back and make a difference. He may not be a teacher, but he’s influencing students every day.

“I always tell them, there’s nothing you can’t do,” said Faulk. “Use your mind, that’s going to be your ticket out of here.”

He is trying to be in their corner during hard times.

“With all the peer pressure today, kids have a tough time,” said Faulk. “And they need someone outside of their parents to come and encourage them.”

It’s a job of more than keeping things squeaky clean, but to uplift students and teachers.

“I tell the teachers, you’re going to be the most positive image in these kids lives by believing in them and inspiring them,” said Faulk.

When you think of Mr. Faulk you may think he’s just a janitor, but Mr. Faulk says he’s a custodian, and when asked about the difference between a janitor and a custodian he said, “Because custodians care.”

“The one thing I tell them, I want you to finish high school, come back, show me your diploma, and say Mr. Faulk I did it,” said Faulk. “That would be enough for me.”

After this year, he’ll finally have his wish.

“A young lady she came by and she told me ‘Mr. Faulk, I’m now a senior,’ and I said, ‘well you know our deal, come by when you get that diploma and show me,’ and she said, ‘I will,” said Faulk.

He is not seeking recognition; he’s just trying to touch as many lives as he can.

Floyd Faulk has been the head custodian at Faine elementary for eight years and hopes to retire at the school.

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