For the past 35 years, Rick Hopkins has worked on the Warehouse and Distribution Services team for the Kent School District. Though it might not be the first department that comes to mind, Warehouse and Distribution Services plays a key role in supporting students in their learning throughout the year. During the school year, Warehouse Services’ three drivers make stops at every school, every day, delivering mail, curriculum supplies, custodial supplies, athletic gear, musical instruments, and more. These daily stops add up to more than 16,000 stops per year across KSD’s 44 schools.
The delivery routes change with each passing season. In the summer, the team assists with teachers moving classrooms and delivers curriculum supplies, helping schools prepare for the school year ahead. In the winter, the team moves athletic equipment, helping schools get ready for wrestling and gymnastic tournaments. In March, band and musical instruments are transported from school to school for performances during Music in our Schools month. Finally, the team’s 200 tables and 1000 chairs are often moved around in May and June for the many end-of-school year events schools, including graduation. In addition, The Warehouse Services team is an integral part in key initiatives that support the community, from transporting goods during the December canned food drive to distributing formal wear for students to choose from for prom and homecoming as part of the "Cinderella" clothing program in partnership with the Kent Area PTA Council.
Though it may often be behind the scenes, the Warehouse Services team provides a critical role in supporting students in their learning. Between Rick and the three drivers, the Warehouse and Distribution Services team has over 70 years of experience working in the district. “I’m extremely lucky to have the employees that I’ve had,” said Rick. “It’s a physical job, but you need to be personable as well to talk to all the people in the schools.” The team is committed to its mission of supporting students. "The idea that we're supporting the kids and helping them on their educational journey helps keep us going," said Rick. With each day, the Warehouse Services team keeps its deliveries on time, meeting the needs of the district throughout the year.