Chins dripping with sweat as they diligently hurl trash bag after trash bag into the dumpsters, school custodians are probably one of the most underappreciated individuals on campus. Without them, who knows how our campus would really look?

Jason “Jay” Johnson, Diamond Bar High School’s lead custodian, is the go-to guy for taking care of the needs of students and staff. Whether it’d be opening a jammed locker, cleaning the restrooms, or setting up for events, Johnson is there to be the “hero without the cape,” as he described.

Nearly three years ago, after 12 years of working for the Walnut Valley Unified School District facilities department where he would clean campuses for four to five schools at night, Johnson took the job at DBHS.

As the lead custodian, working Monday through Friday from 2 – 10 p.m., Johnson’s primary concern is providing quality service to the school and district in any way possible, often organizing and directing teams of other custodians. Although he has his own set of daily tasks to accomplish, usually assigned by Operations Manager Doug Mefford, it is also Johnson’s duty to fill in for those unavailable to complete certain tasks. Though he primarily works independently, he always enjoys interacting with students and teachers whenever he is given the opportunity.

“Being a custodian is all about being a problem-solver,” Johnson said. “You have to be able to adjust to your environment. There’s always a surprise, especially at DBHS.”

When he is not tirelessly serving our school community, Johnson is an entrepreneur and runs his own business, JJ Air Heating Services. With this business, nearly 12 years in the making, Johnson is able provide more for his wife, son, and step-son while leaving a “legacy” for his children to undertake in the future.

“I have no regrets. I’m doing the best I can on a daily basis, even with my errors and mistakes. Yes, being a custodian may be a dirty job, but we’re here for you guys. There’s never a dull moment—that’s for sure.”