Building manager Mr. Jim Bundren works behind the scenes in almost every part of the school.
Starting as the head nighttime custodian in 2002, Bundren earned the title of building manager after nine years of custodial work. Central was one of the only Parkway high schools without someone in that position.
“It was getting so busy around here,” Bundren said. “And as the head custodian, I was already doing most of the building manager jobs anyway.”
There are many jobs that Bundren has to complete on a weekly basis, such as filling in for custodians, or fixing an air conditioning vent when called upon. Bundren must be ready to do at any moment.
“The teachers will call me for anything,” Bundren said. “You name it, and they will call me.”
Bundren considers that someone in his position should be able to do almost anything.
“The jack of all trades and the master of none,” Bundren said. “You have to know a little bit about everything.”
Bundren credits his success as a swift and efficient worker to being considerate while working with others.
“Understanding people’s needs and being polite to people makes things easier,” Bundren said. “You get a lot done when you are nice to people. I like to think that I’m a good people person.”
Bundren receives satisfaction from his job due to the fact he gets it done quickly, and the teachers are pleasantly surprised to see that he finished.
“I know everybody around here, everybody,” Bundren said. “I don’t do paperwork and all that stuff, I get straight to it.”
Before Parkway Central, Bundren spent some years in a contract cleaning business. Bundren was also at one point the building manager at Washington University, and had many of the same responsibilities.
“This was not that hard of a job, compared to Wash U, because this is a single building,” Bundren said.
Hunting and fishing are some of Bundren’s favorite hobbies. He lives on a lake 32 miles away and usually has time to fish. Every year, he takes a week and a half out of the school year to go hunting while in season. Occurring in first semester, the school feels the effects of his absence.
“Being the building manager is tough, managing who is using the rooms, after school, on weekends,” assistant principal Mr. Chris Dallas said. “It’s definitely a full-time job and can be daunting at times.”