Long before the first bell rings, the public school education experience in Vicksburg and Warren County begins with Bill Sanderford and his crew.

Sanderford is head of maintenance for Vicksburg Warren School District, and his work helps literally provide a solid foundation for public education here.

After all, Sanderford said, it’s difficult for students to learn if the building is falling down around them, the roof is leaking, or the air conditioner is on the fritz.

“We check all the facilities and make sure the kids can go to class,” he said.

Most days for VWSD maintenance crews begin before dawn during the school year. Someone has to make sure the heat or air is on, and each building has power.

“If the kids are going to be at school at 8 o’clock in the morning, we need to be there at 4 in the morning,” Sanderford said.

On inclement weather days, the work can start as early as 3 a.m. to prepare and inspect buildings.

Sanderford began with VWSD 16 years ago as an electrician. He’s outlasted four superintendents, and was assistant supervisor for four years before becoming supervisor about four years ago.

“He is fantastic. He is a hard worker and does whatever it takes to make sure our physical plant runs effectively,” current VWSD Superintendent Chad Shealey said.

While minor fixes can be completed before school, major projects including construction require work during holidays, summers and spring break.

“In the summer, we try to do all our projects we can’t do when class is in session,” Sanderford said. “You can’t just go in and interrupt class to move a wall.”

And whether they know it or not, students are affected every day by Sanderford’s work making sure heaters and air conditioners are in running order.

“Being comfortable is key to it,” he said. “If they’re cold or hot, they’re not going to learn. And if the teacher isn’t comfortable nobody is comfortable.”