Chi took over for Hok Ky, Paly’s previous head custodian, at the beginning of the 2011 year after Hok decided to retire.

“Tee has an established track record of excellence here at Paly,” Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson said. “It seemed like the best transition.”

Chi was born in Cambodia and moved to the United States in 1991, Chi said.

He worked as a custodian at Palo Alto High School for six years before switching to El Carmelo’s custodial staff for a year. At the end of the 2009-10 academic year, when Chi was still employed at El Carmelo, the Paly administration offered him the position of head custodian at Paly, Chi said.

Chi is enthusiastic about his new position.

“I get to tell people what to do,” he joked. “I just don’t like it when people complain.”

Berkson is confident that Chi can help Paly’s custodial staff maintain its high quality work.

“Our custodial staff is the envy of the district, and Chi will help us stay that way,” Berkson said.