By Roberta Fiorito

Richard Rabitaille has worked at Leon since Principal Rocky Hanna was a senior. Back then, Rabataille was groundskeeper for the school. After 11 years as groundskeeper, Rabataille became media tech aid.

These days, and for the past seven years, Rabitaille is employed as head custodian, or Building Maintenance Supervisor.

As Building Maintenance Supervisor, Rabitaille overlooks all 11 custodians. He supervises the day crew of custodians from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., while also performing work requests and regular building maintenance, such as air conditioning problems and electrical work.

Before coming to Leon, Rabataille graduated valedictorian from Tallahassee Community College. He had a 4.4 GPA, even with his severe dyslexia.

“I have a photographic memory for certain things, but I can only see right to left,” Rabataille said.

After almost 30 years on the job, Rabataille has seen a number of superstitious activities, including a ceiling light being thrown from a gym window and an old workman from the 1930s who was semi-transparent.

“I have this reputation for being a ghost storyteller for Leon,” Rabitaille said.

If most of the ghosts stay at bay for at least a few more years, Rabataille plans to continue as head custodian.

“No one loves this school more than Richard,” Hanna said. “Even though he didn’t graduate from Leon, he truly is a Leon Lion.”