For 27 years, Paul Hagler has been a constant at Unity Point Elementary School, a man who’s seen it all and done it all. From custodial work to maintenance, and even as a bus driver, Paul's day is packed with responsibilities that make him an indispensable part of the school's day-to-day life. But what really sets Paul apart is not just the variety of roles he performs but the way he does them—with a sense of pride, personal investment, and love for the community.

Paul was born and raised in the Makanda area and he attended Carbondale Community High School, graduating in 1988, and has deep roots in the region. His connection to the school is personal; it’s a family affair. His father was a bus mechanic for the district before him, and now Paul has taken on the torch, albeit in a slightly different capacity.

When Paul first joined the school district in 1995, his primary responsibility was custodial work. But over time, as the needs of the school grew and Paul’s skills became more apparent, his role expanded. Now, Paul handles much more than just cleaning up classrooms. He's the one fixing the heating, air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and even diagnosing and maintaining all sorts of systems. As he puts it, he tackles whatever comes his way, and if he can’t fix it himself, he knows how to bring in the right people to get the job done.

It’s not just about maintenance though. Paul’s deep knowledge of the school's physical layout, his dedication to keeping things running smoothly, and his willingness to go above and beyond make him an unsung hero of Unity Point. He jokes that there's never a dull moment in his job. With a building as expansive as Unity Point, that’s not hard to imagine.

In addition to his work inside the school, Paul also drives a bus route every morning and afternoon. The relationships he’s built with the kids on his bus are perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of his day. He’s been driving the same route for years, often picking up the children of students he once drove to school. Paul takes pride in knowing each child by name, greeting them every day, and making sure they get to and from school safely.

One of Paul’s fondest memories is of a student who rode his bus from kindergarten all the way through to graduation. The little girl was always decked out in Tweety Bird attire, so naturally, Paul started calling her “Tweety.” It became their thing— he’d call her by that nickname for years, and she loved it. Stories like this are a testament to the relationships Paul has cultivated over his long tenure, relationships that go far beyond just driving a bus.

He’s the first smile that many students see in the morning and often the last friendly face they encounter before heading home. In a world where bus drivers are often underappreciated, Paul understands the importance of his role in a child’s day.

What does Paul love most about his work? It’s the people. The school district, according to Paul, feels like a family. He talks about the close relationships he’s formed with his colleagues and the students over the years. It’s clear that Unity Point Elementary School is more than just a place of work for him; it’s a community that he’s deeply invested in.

“I could retire next year, but I’ll probably go two more,” he says with a smile. He’s not ready to leave just yet, even though the possibility of retirement looms on the horizon. After all, with relationships like the ones Paul has built, it’s easy to see why he’s in no hurry to leave.

Paul Hagler’s story isn’t just about fixing pipes or driving buses; it’s about dedication to a community and a school that he has loved and served for nearly three decades. Through his work, he’s become an irreplaceable figure, a man who’s touched the lives of students, teachers, and staff alike. His contributions are a testament to what makes Unity Point not just a school, but a family.