Brandon Ritze, Head Custodian, Norfolk Junior High School, is the recipient of the NPS Award for Excellence for March 2025.
Thank you, Brandon, for your dedication, hard work, and service to our students, staff, and the NPS community!
Listed below are excerpts from some of the submitted narratives of Mr. Ritze's nomination:
- Brandon is an outstanding worker, communicator, and is a vital asset to our Jr. High team. As the Head Custodian, Mr. Ritze has a lot of responsibilities and wears many hats. Brandon tackles all challenges that arise with a positive attitude and he is very solution oriented. I am so impressed with how well Mr. Ritze leads our custodial team.
- Brandon Ritze is the epitome of a team player. He goes above and beyond in taking care of our building, communicating with staff, and holding his staff accountable for what they're doing in a positive and supportive way.
- What has been really neat to see is Brandon’s wonderful interaction with the students in the hallways. It is not uncommon to hear kids say, “Hey Brandon” as they pass him in the hallways. He gets to know the students by name and he always has a smile on his face and has great interaction with the students. Brandon brings humor, care, joy and laughter to the building each and every day. He has also recently moved to oversee the cleanliness of our entire building. This is a role that suits Brandon well. He cares about the work done by others. He puts his best foot forward in the beautification of our building and, again, does it without complaint each and every day.
- Brandon is an amazing asset to the junior high. Brandon is always ready to lend a hand whenever someone needs assistance. Each morning, he greets everyone around the building, checking in and spreading positivity. The students absolutely adore him; they look up to him and hold him in high regard. Whenever he steps into my classroom, the kids' faces light up, eager to chat with him. Brandon puts in tremendous effort to ensure that all the teachers have what they need, consistently asking how he can assist us.
- Brandon is the first person I see every morning. He is always welcoming, friendly and kind to everyone. He has been putting in crazy long days to keep our building working and clean. He is constantly trying to keep our custodial positions filled and if someone is gone, covers for them. He does not complain about it and is very professional in a difficult situation. Brandon is always asking if anything needs to be done and then does it whether it is his responsibility or not.
- Brandon Ritze defines what professionalism, integrity, and leadership looks like as an employee at Norfolk Public Schools. Brandon’s experience in previous positions from serving as a marine in the military and as a manager prior to relocating to Norfolk have benefited our school. Brandon has been instrumental in keeping our Junior High building in such great shape.
Brandon received his award at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, March 10 at 5:30 pm. Please congratulate Brandon on this well-deserved award!
