GOODBYE, MR. CLEAN

GOODBYE, MR. CLEAN Narragansett buildings and grounds director moving on

+ click to enlarge News staff photos by Tara Vocino Outgoing District Director of Buildings and Grounds William Clabaugh, left, talks with Caroline Hemman, interim Superintendent Stephen Hemman and Director of Pupil Personnel Services John Salovardos, second from left. + click to enlarge News staff photos by Tara Vocino Former custodians at Baldwinville Elementary School Stanley Rogalski and Ken Taylor agreed that Bill Clabaugh, left, was an understanding boss. Tara Vocino Reporter TEMPLETON  Outgoing Narragansett Re­gion­al School District Buildings and Grounds Director William Clabaugh was given a rousing send-off on Monday by former colleagues, custodians and administration in the Central Office at Narragansett Regional High School. He worked at ’Gansett for 15 years, with his last day on Friday, Jan. 29. He is heading to the Sizer School, a charter school in Fitchburg, on Wed­nesday, Feb. 3. Middle School Principal Peter Cushing presented Clabaugh with a chair with the district seal and Clabaugh’s name engraved by Standard Chair, of Gardner. Interim Superintendent Dr. Steve Hemman also presented Clabaugh with a clock and plaque. Engraved it reads, “Thank you for all the 15 years of dedicated service to the staff and students of the Narra­gansett Regional School District from 2000 to 2015. All the best in your endeavors.” Both gifts were presented on behalf of the district. In between appetizers, custodians offered their goodbyes to Clabaugh. ’Gansett custodian Alan Le­Blanc worked under Clabaugh’s leadership for eight years and noted he always had a good working relationship with him, especially during difficult times. LeBlanc’s grandfather, Robert Mable, 82, died suddenly recently, and LeBlanc said Clabaugh was more than understanding. “I was at work when I heard the news, and he let me leave early that day,” LeBlanc said. “He let me take care of personal business and allowed me a few bereavement days.” LeBlanc said he helped him and the other custodians out when needed, meeting with them weekly regarding building use for sports and extracurricular activities outside of normal school hours. As a whole, LeBlanc said Clabaugh was always understanding with his employees. “His door was always open for us,” LeBlanc said. “If we ever had issues, he was always good about hearing us out.” On the administration side, Cushing said Clabaugh was fiscally responsible, calling it a “huge loss for (the district).” “He really brought a lot of knowledge to the table,” Cushing said. “In a small district like ours, you have to be able to save money and to be fiscally responsible. He made sure the buildings were functioning at the highest level possible.” Similarly, Assistant Business Manager Ann-Marie Geyster said it’ll be difficult to adjust to someone new. “I’ll miss doing all the accounts payable and budgets for him,” Geyster said. Clabaugh began mentoring interim Director of Buildings and Grounds Richard Moulton last week. Former custodian at Baldwinville Elementary School Stanley Rogalski, like LeBlanc, said Clabaugh was an excellent boss. Rogalski said he worked with him for six and a half years. “Anything that you wanted, he was right there. I couldn’t have asked for a better man.” Ken Taylor, also a former custodian at Baldwinville Elementary, called Clabaugh a “good guy to work with for seven years.” After the ceremony, Clabaugh said he is looking forward to a possibly a lighter load of evening meetings, especially since now he’s an empty nester with his wife, Jane. While at ’Gansett, he had to attend many selectmen, facilities and subcommittee meetings. When asked about why he left, Claubaugh said it’s time for a change. “It’s an opportunity to apply my efforts to a one-year-old facility,” Clabaugh said.” I’m excited about Sizer’s mission to its students.” He thanked the voters for helping to pass a new elementary school, which he said was much-needed, and his crews for their dedication. Claubaugh called the parting “bittersweet,” as he devoted so much time and energy into helping to make the district schools perform at the utmost standard.