Ed Blank, grounds and equipment operator, loads up the lawn mower to take to the transportation facility on Owens Road, on his last day of work, April 27. Provided photoEd Blank started a recent work day like he normally would – up at 4 a.m. to feed the cattle and finish some farm work before heading to work as a grounds equipment operator for Brockport Central Schools. While he will continue to rise at 4 a.m., his schedule changes since his retirement from the district on April 27.
Blank began his career with the district as a watchman in 1985. He transferred to the Grounds department the following year, trading in his security duties for grounds maintenance duties, including snow removal, mowing the grass, and excavation projects.
The change from security to grounds- keeping was a seamless transition for the Cornell University graduate with a degree in agriculture and a background in farming. Blank worked on farms for a number of years before buying his own farm in 1979 where he raises cattle and cash crops of soybeans, corn and hay.
While his job varied and was often dependent on the weather, Blank could always be seen working around campus. Over the years, he recalls several memorable weather events including the time when it was thundering, lightning and snowing at the same time, the ice storm in 1991 and the time when a wind shear took off the high school roof in 1999.
Blank said he loved his job for the variety and changes from one season to the next – but most of all he loved the people.
“I will miss the people the most,” Blank said. “There is a camaraderie among staff that makes it so special.”
Blank’s supervisor Christian Hansen, director of Building and Grounds, will always remember his dedication to the job, superior work ethic and respect for all faculty, staff and students.
“Ed’s dedication to the district and our students, along with his personality and respect for others will be greatly missed,” said Hansen.
Similar to his work changing with the seasons at Brockport, so will his farm work as he readies the fields to plant corn this spring, prepares to bale hay all summer and plant soybeans in the fall. Though his decision to retire was not an easy one, Blank admits he has about 10 years worth of work to catch up on at the farm. Blank looks forward to spending more time at his Barre farm with his wife, Nancy.
