Monte Spears, Custodian Night Lead at Cedar Creek Elementary School (CCES), has been named the recipient of the Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (MASMS) Facility Worker of the Year STATE Award for 2025.
“Monte is more than just our night custodian—he is a vital part of our school community,” said William Dial, St. Francis Area Schools Custodial Supervisor. “Monte consistently goes above and beyond in every task he takes on, always eager to help out with anything that is needed. Whether it's responding to a last-minute request or tackling his daily responsibilities, he does so with a cheerful attitude and a genuine smile that brightens the entire building.”
This is an award to recognize an outstanding facility worker who is not in a management position. Spears received multiple nominations for this honor. He has worked in the district for nearly 30 years after starting at the high school in April 1997. Spears has worked at CCES since 2000.
“I’m very thankful for the award, but mostly thankful for just being nominated for my work here at CCES,” Spears said. “Besides all the staff and co-workers, the thing I love most about working at the district are all the kids and families that I have met over the years. I love coming to work every day.”
Each year MASMS awards a facility worker of the year award for each chapter and an overall award at the State Level. Spears was the State Level award recipient.
The award was presented to Spears at the MASMS Fall Conference Awards Banquet on Oct. 2 in St. Cloud, Minn.