Cooper Building Supervisor Wins Fairfax School Award

Shirley Miller, the head custodian and building supervisor for Cooper Middle School in McLean, was recently honored as the Fairfax County Public Schools' Support Employee of the Year.

For the past 54 years, Miller, who is 76, has worked in 10 different Fairfax schools. Twice she attempted to retire but as a result of her exemplary performance, the school system keeps asking her to return.

Over the years, Miller said, she has cleaned schools and served as secretary and treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union. About 25 years ago, she and her cousin, Daisy Fan, founded Fairfax Education Associates, a union representing all school employees in Fairfax County.

“It’s an honor and it’s great. It [being honored with the award] made me feel great and important,” said Miller. “I want to thank my principal, Mrs. Arlene Randall, and the chair of the science department, Mrs. (Samantha) Hale. They are the ones who sent the letters to nominate me. I also want to thank all the Cooper staff.”

Miller said of retirement, “Maybe in two years … It depends how I feel. I enjoy my job and enjoy being with the teachers and students.” Not one to be idle, she continued, “I have to be doing something.”

During the awards presentation, Miller remembers being nervous. She said, “I said Dr. Spillane to the superintendent, but his name is Dr. Dale. Dr. Spillane was superintendent 15 years ago.”

“Her hard work, commitment, and devotion are the main reasons that Cooper Middle School continues to possess an aura of cleanliness and organization even after the many years it has been open. ... Shirley can be counted on to deal with all different types of situations and challenges: severe snow storms, plumbing issues, electrical problems, and after-school community usage and planning. Because of Shirley’s meticulous eye, the building always sparkles,” Randall said in a statement from the schools.

“Middle school science is a messy business, and the extra work involved in this wing is considerable,” said eighth-grade science teachers Myrna Foster, Gary Grosicki and Alice Gunas, who added that Miller routinely dusts lab counters and tables, teacher workspaces and blinds, and mops and waxes floors whenever needed. “Mrs. Miller has never once failed to maintain the science department to her professional standards, regardless of the situation.”

Throughout her decades of employment, Miller has encountered myriad experiences. One of her most memorable moments occurred in the spring of 2010. She said, “A bus driver wanted to wash his bus. ... There’s a shack with a hose and water. I opened the door and saw a big snake. ... I ran out hollering and screaming, and I left the water running. ... I told the bus driver, and he took off. I didn’t see him until a week later. ... I still don’t know how it got in there, but I don’t go in there anymore.”

While Miller’s work ethic is very highly touted, several nominators noted her ability to go above and beyond her regular duties. She helps supervise students in the lunch lines and in the hallways and contributes to a positive school climate with her cheerful greetings to students and staff members, the schools said in a press release about her award.

Hale said that Miller takes care of her class turtle on extended breaks and weekends, and, when Hale is working late, she can count on Miller popping into her classroom to say, “Mrs. Hale, are you still here? You need to go home to your family,”  the schools reported.

“She can converse intelligently on [myriad] subjects from current world affairs to the Redskins’ problems at quarterback. ... And though she worked as a custodian in our schools, in actuality, she has always been an educator. Everyone who came in contact with her was educated in valuable lessons in life,” said Robinson Secondary School Principal Dan Meier, a former supervisor, who added that, when Miller entered the workforce, opportunities for women and minorities were limited. As a result, she began her employment with FCPS as a part-time maid at the former Williston Elementary School.

Randall said she was impressed by Miller’s enthusiasm, work ethic and stamina. She said, “She’s 76. … She’s like the “energizer bunny” – stronger than an ox. She’s an amazing, kind, wonderful woman. … She loves clean. … She always asks about my mother who is in assisted living. Her heart is always there. She is loved here.”