Every great organization has people working hard behind the scenes, providing lots of support to their teammates and keeping things running smoothly. At Custer Elementary School, one of those people is Administrative Assistant Carol Taxdahl.

Taxdahl, who has led Custer’s front office since March 2021, handles a multitude of tasks throughout the school day to make sure that teachers, paraeducators, and other staff can do their jobs effectively. And she does it all with a bright attitude and a lighthearted sense of humor.

“In a sense, it’s what you would do at your home, like paying the bills or buying the groceries, keeping the house in order,” Taxdahl joked. “I’m like the mom of the school!”

Taxdahl has worked as an administrative assistant in Ferndale School District for 14 years, serving for a decade at Central Elementary School before joining Custer’s team. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 1984 and earning her diploma at Azusa Pacific University, Taxdahl initially dove into the marketing world. She spent many years at cable companies, The Disney Channel and Encore before starting a family and becoming a stay-at-home mom.

After her kids (who attended Ferndale schools) grew up a bit, Taxdahl decided to re-enter the workforce. It so happened that substitute jobs in Ferndale were a good fit for her at the time.

“It’s a great gig while your kids are in school,” she said. “School hours were perfect hours.”

Taxdahl’s family has multiple generations of Ferndale school staff. Her mother, Joan Staats, ran payroll for the district in the 1980s and early 90s, while her daughter, Morgan, is a long-term substitute currently working in Custer’s “Cougar Den” room.

Because Taxdahl helps out with so many different tasks throughout the day – sending ParentSquare messages to families, giving attendance sheets and classroom keys to substitute teachers, even helping students with minor medical needs on days the nurse isn’t there – she has become an expert on every Custer student and staffer and their specific needs.

“All the kids come in here for something – they’re either dropping off slips for a reward, or they need a band-aid or an ice pack – so I end up meeting everyone,” Taxdahl said.

Taxdahl is also the assistant for Principal Kim Hawes, keeping track of her schedule and making sure she stays in the loop.

“I can trust her with everything: my thoughts, my worries, my plans and ideas,” Hawes said of Taxdahl.  “She’s just always making sure I’m at my best, and I’m as organized as possible.”

Hawes also praised Taxdahl for making Custer’s office a fun and friendly environment, even on stressful or difficult days.

“We have a lot of serious times in our office, sometimes tragic times,” she said. “So Carol’s kindness and compassion and humor keeps us coming back, day after day.”

Taxdahl said she loves being a part of the Custer community.

“It’s a close-knit staff,” she said. “Everybody gets along really well!”