ESSENTIAL LOCAL HERO | Meet Michelle Cannan of Downers Grove
- Glancer Magazine
- Jul 1, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 2, 2020
SUPERVISOR OF BUILDING AND GROUNDS, COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 99
Raising 7 children has laid the foundation for leading a staff of 27 individuals as the Supervisor of Building and Grounds for Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove. It is a job that never rests as the team works 24/7 to ensure the facilities are clean, operational and setup for daily events, activities, and athletics. Michelle plans and executes large maintenance projects; works with architects, engineers, and various trade contractors on the master facility improvement plan; and ensures all these tasks are completed within the guidelines of local and governmental regulations, inclusive of the new procedures set out for COVID-19.
“We used the first week to do a quick building disinfection and then the next two weeks to do a more thorough top to bottom disinfection of all classrooms, and high traffic areas,” she shares. “We made sure we assigned routes to all employees so that they could work alone; I made masks for everyone on my staff; and maintain records of everyone that comes into the building ensuring social distancing for all.”
Michelle feels fortunate to be able to witness the day to day interactions of teams of people that have come together to help others in their community feel safe. She enjoys active learning and adapts quickly to change.
With first and second shifts at the school buildings, Michelle is always on-call, so she fully appreciates the quiet escapes with her kids and husband eating out at Pierce Tavern and The Cellar Door to name a few. Now that summer is here, she can also be found in her backyard, grilling and enjoying the sun, but she is always just a phone call away!
