5 minute read
John Garossino: Still having fun after 24 years in operations
By Gloria Taylor
After 24 years in operations at British Columbia schools, John Garossino has learned a lot about taking care of the physical needs of the schools under his jurisdiction. But looking back on a satisfying career, he’s also developed a keen appreciation for how valuable it is for individuals to find the career path that is right for them. And that includes enjoying your work.
“You’ve got to enjoy your work. If you don’t have fun doing what you do then you shouldn’t be doing it,” emphasizes John.*
John’s career in public education started as a custodial shift supervisor in 1990 in Delta, B.C., with School District No. 37. He attributes his success in advancing to the assistant manager’s position in that district, and his ability to advance to the position in Kamloops, later in his career, to the mentorship that he received from his manager, John Vantol. Both are members of the Educational Facility Managers Association of British Columbia (EFMA B.C.), formerly the School Plant Officials Association of British Columbia (SPOA B.C.).
John moved in March of 1999 to School District No. 73, as manager of custodial services/occupational health and safety in Kamloops. In 2004, he moved into the operations manager’s position in the same district, where he was mentored under the leadership of another SPOA/ EFMA member, Art McDonald.
In September of 2007, John became director of facility services with the Coast Mountains Board of Education in Terrace, B.C.
After a rich and full career, where he obtained the kind of experience that makes him an asset in any operations position, John considered retirement last year – but not for long. When a job opportunity became available last December, he applied, and happily accepted, a position as manager of maintenance services for School District No. 22 in Vernon, where he started a new career this past March.
John and his wife Lisa had plans to retire in their home in the Kamloops area. Since Lisa had an opportunity to transfer from her work in September, she moved to Kamloops, where John was going to join her upon retirement.
He says he is very fortunate that Lisa has a great sense of humour and adventure. “After 32 years, we both can still go with the flow and find the positive things in any situation,” he smiles.
Today, he puts his wide experience to work running the trades crews, from carpenters and groundskeepers to electricians and plumbers, among many other duties.
Once again, he says he was prepared to make a five-year commitment to his new job – “as long as they’ll have me and as long as I’m having fun” – despite having to delay his ambition to someday teach scuba-diving, a sport he and his wife both love.
He chuckles at the thought, but there is another reason; a personal reason, he confides, that his current job is just perfect at this time.
“I work with a great maintenance team here, with lots of support from the district; but the real benefit is Lisa and I are close to our children and grandchildren. It really is a blessing being able to visit the grandkids and be a part of their lives!”
John enjoys overseeing the technical work of staff – he admits to having an eye for detail, balance and a job well-done – and is proud of the strong departments he has built in previous positions; but he also enjoys mentoring employees so that they can advance in their own careers.
“I find it extremely satisfying, seeing processes improve and employees being empowered. The other thing I find really fulfilling, particularly in my last position, was being able to mentor a younger staff group: teaching my staff how to strategically think in regards to the district, how to get the most out of the building systems, and building good relationships and good teams.
“I also found it fulfilling being able to work with my district on succession planning and assisting one of my managers to gain the experience necessary to step into the director’s role within that organization. The most fulfilling thing in my professional life has been able to make a difference in people’s lives and giving them those opportunities to succeed.”
John is going through yet another learning process – that of getting to know a new district, new facilities, new staff and a lot of different processes.
A great asset has been the learning opportunities and support available through EFMA B.C.
He has spent seven years in various executive positions, including being president in 2006 (SPOA B.C.), director for four years, as well as being vice-president and past president, doing everything from representing the association to running the bursary program.
“The reason I got involved with the association, and continue to be involved, is that it is a network of knowledge that has enabled me to learn and make longlasting friendships. In the association, we work diligently in welcoming new members, promoting networking, building lasting friendships and sharing information throughout the province.”
While retirement is not top-of-mind at present, John is prepared for the time when he and his wife can spend more time travelling, enjoying their family, following the sun and scuba-diving.
For now, the manager of maintenance services for School District No. 22 is content to continue to learn all he can in his current job and enjoy each day. b
*Editor’s note: The publisher respected interview subject’s preference to use his first name throughout the article, instead of his last.
