Midway through Friday’s homecoming pep fest, an announcement blasted over the loudspeaker for George Ploog, director of facilities and grounds, to call the office. Ploog was needed for a…umm…“cleanup” in the new gym.
A few minute later, with broom, dustpan and absorbing sanitizer in hand, Ploog strolled into the packed gym. But the cleanup kit wasn’t really needed. Instead, it was all was a ruse for emcee and athletic director Rich Kern to recognize Ploog on his last day on the job before retiring.
“We all love George and give him a big round of applause for his 18 years of service. He will be greatly missed. Happy retirement.”
Almost two decades ago, Ploog was working at an automotive body shop in Mapleton when he ran into some health issues. His doctors told him to find a new line of work. He heard the position at Cleveland School was open, applied for it and got the job.
Besides ensuring the school building is clean and safe, operating efficiently and up to date for the best teaching and learning experience, Ploog also maintained the grounds around it as well as the school’s athletic fields and associated buildings. He supervised the custodians, including Gary Haase, who retired near the end of 2017, and Dwight Voit, who retired a year later.
All the while, Ploog grew fond of the students he was serving.
“Watching them grow through the years was rewarding, especially see them starting kindergarten and then seeing them graduate. Then you kind of miss them after they’re gone.”
Former superintendent Brian Phillips said Ploog’s work ethic and commitment to detail was unparalleled over all the years that he served the school district.
“Every Superintendent I know would love to have a George as their head of facilities and grounds. Under his leadership, his team took a lot of pride in keeping the property looking so nice. He will be missed, and his shoes will be hard to fill. We wish him the very best, and we are very grateful for all his years of service and for making my job as the superintendent a whole lot easier.
Ploog, who resides in St. Peter, will continue to use his maintenance and construction skills to keep busy. His first project will be helping his daughter fix up her house.