Stephen "Mike" Malley, a Meridian Schools alumnus and custodian, has dedicated the last seven years to serving the district with care and commitment. Known for his strong work ethic and warm interactions with students, Mike’s influence goes beyond keeping the school in shape—he’s a role model and advocate for the young people of Meridian.

Growing up in Mounds, Illinois, Mike attended the very schools he now helps maintain. After graduating in 2003, he pursued a career in industrial maintenance, gaining skills that he brought back to Meridian when he returned as a custodian.

“I like fixing things that aren’t working and making them work again,” Mike says. “But the best part of this job is the kids. They come up and give me hugs, and I try to be there for them, especially when they’re having a tough day.”

Mike’s empathy stems from his own childhood. Losing his father before he was born and growing up with limited resources, he understands the challenges many students face. “When I was a kid, I wanted someone to be there for me, so I try to be that person for them,” he explains.

As the primary custodian at the elementary school, Mike wears many hats. Whether he’s unloading trucks of supplies for the cafeteria, fixing a leaky faucet, or finding ways to engage with students, his presence is felt throughout the building.

“The kids love helping out,” he says. “They’ll push the trash cans for me or use my keys to open doors. It’s small, but it gives them a sense of purpose, and I enjoy including them.”

Mike’s approachable demeanor makes him a favorite among the students, who often turn to him for a laugh or a word of encouragement. “If I see someone down, I’ll try to aggravate them enough to get their mind off it,” he shares with a grin.

Mike’s commitment to Meridian Schools goes beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. He dreams of a brighter future for the district, with better funding, more extracurricular opportunities, and greater community involvement.

“Our staff is stretched thin, and we could all use more resources,” Mike says. “I’d love to see more sports offered—football, lacrosse, even something like tennis. These kids deserve the chance to explore different activities and find their passions.”

He also emphasizes the need for life skills education. “Kids today spend so much time on screens that they miss out on learning basic things like cooking or doing laundry,” he explains. “We need to prepare them for life, not just academics.”

Mike believes that the key to improving the school lies in greater community involvement. “Parents and taxpayers need to be more engaged,” he says. “If they donated time or shared their connections, we could offer so much more for our kids.”

He also sees the school as a safe haven for many students, a place where they can escape the challenges of their home lives. “Life is hard for these kids,” Mike reflects. “They come here to feel safe, and we need to give them all the support we can.”

While Mike’s professional journey is inspiring, his greatest pride comes from his role as a father. With two children currently attending Meridian Schools, he’s deeply invested in their success.

“I always wanted to be a dad,” he says. “My kids are on the honor roll, and they work so hard. Everything I do here is for them and kids like them.”

Although he dreams of one day running a business designing koi ponds and water features, Mike remains steadfast in his commitment to Meridian. “This work is important,” he says. “Being here for the kids and making a difference—it’s worth it.”

As Meridian CUSD #101 looks to the future, Mike’s dedication and vision serve as a reminder of the power of community and the impact one person can make.