Rumley poses with a truck she uses on the job.
WEST SENECA — Tracy Rumley, 1st vice president of the CSEA West Seneca School District Unit, is making history as the district’s first female lead groundskeeper.
Rumley, who has worked at the district for more than two decades, started her career in 1999 as a bus aide. She later became a bus driver and continued to serve the district while raising her family.
“My grandmother, aunt, uncle and mother have all worked here,” said Rumley. “I joined our union right away. Once my kids were grown, I wanted something full time, so I applied for a groundskeeper position.”
But the road to her new role wasn’t easy. Rumley said she was passed over three times just to be on the crew, while other candidates were hired from outside the district.
“It felt to me that they didn’t want a woman on the crew at all,” said Rumley.
When the opportunity came up for the Lead Grounds Crew, Rumley cautiously put her name in.
“I didn’t think it was going to happen,” said Rumley of her promotion. “Especially since being turned down so many times for the grounds crew.”
In her new position, Rumley is stepping in during an important seasonal transition. As winter fades, her team is shifting focus from snow removal to spring field maintenance.
“We’re getting the lacrosse fields and the baseball diamonds ready,” said Rumley. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Though she hasn’t officially started in the new role, Rumley is currently shadowing and learning the ropes. She said she’s encouraged by the dynamic of her team.
“I think everyone in the department works well together.” said Rumley.
Rumley brings a clear vision of leadership to her new role.
“I want to be a leader, not a boss,” said Rumley. “We’ve had a lot of change, and I want to bring everyone back together. I want us to feel like a team again.”
She also said one of her favorite aspects of the job is working outdoors.
“I couldn’t see myself being cooped up in an office all day,” said Rumley.
As she takes on her new responsibilities, Rumley said she hopes her journey will inspire other women to consider roles in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her advice is simple,
“Never give up,” said Rumley. “If you feel you can do it, you have to prove yourself, keep going for it.”
Her promotion not only reflects her personal perseverance but also marks a broader step forward for inclusivity in the district’s operations. Rumley’s story stands as a testament to resilience, commitment, and the power of persistence — qualities that will now guide her as she leads the very team she once fought to join.
— Sara McNicholas
