“It’s Storm Team 2 out here in the thick of it right now, and we’re ready to make our announcement about school tomorrow,” says Jimmy Cash, an elementary school janitor in the Worcester Public School system.
Standing outside in the dark, snow pelting off of him as he holds a phone to record a selfie video, he turns to his co-worker Patrick O’Connor, a janitor, and asks, “You ready, Pat?”
“I’m ready,” said O’Connor.
Cash licks his finger and points it up in the air as they both look into the camera and, in unison, say, “It’s canceled!” to the delight of students across the district.
Cash stood outside with a beanie and snow accumulating on his long hair as he advised students to stay home, read a book for about 20 minutes, play Fortnite for eight hours, or even get outside and shovel some snow.
Jimmy Cash, an elementary school janitor in the Worcester Public School system and the district’s (un)official meteorologist, and janitor Patrick O’Connor, announce school is closed Jan. 29, 2024 in a video posted to social media the night before.Jimmy Cash
The video aired on various social media platforms Sunday, Jan. 28 to announce school closures for the next morning, Monday, Jan. 29. The video garnered 61,900 views on TikTok a week later.
Cash, a janitor by day and comedian by night, has reached local fame in the Worcester Public School System after he began making videos questioning whether the district would cancel or delay school due to inclement weather.
After already becoming notorious for making videos poking fun at his profession, Cash was approached by the school district to make the official announcement for the past two closures. The first video was for the Jan. 8 closing, when Cash dubbed himself “Worcester Public Schools’ chief meteorologist” and encouraged people to enjoy the day off, even though he’d still be working: “I haven’t enjoyed a snow day in 20 years.”
“I think it’s pretty cool,” said Mayor Joseph Petty, the Worcester Public School Committee chair.
Petty said the videos are a fun way to announce the closures, even as it is stressful for families to figure out childcare.
“It promotes the city, promotes the school system and shows a good culture with our educators,” said Petty. He added, “They do a great job, too!”
Who is Jimmy Cash?
Growing up, Cash always wanted to perform in a comedy movie or Saturday Night Live.
“I didn’t think it was possible,” said Cash. “I didn’t think there was an option for someone from Worcester even to entertain the idea of doing anything like that.”
Cash became a custodian for the public schools when he was 20 when he had a child and needed a job.
During the job, he thought, “Being a janitor is kind of funny.”
So, he made it a part of his comedy bit, which he has been working on for almost eight years.
Cash started doing open mics in Worcester’s now-closed WooHaHa Comedy Club and the Attic Boston.
After working at it for a while, Cash started to get booked at Laugh Boston, Nick’s Comedy Stop, and Giggles. He has expanded across New England and dipped his toes into some New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey shows.
Cash says it is hard to juggle the night shows with his day job, especially since his comedy schedule has picked up. He’s even doing commercials for Plymouth Rock Assurance.
“I’m out at night and back at the school at 6 a.m.,” said Cash. “It’s crazy. I need a full staff, and all I have is my night guy, Pat.”
This winter, the school department invited him to announce school closures officially. He used to post his videos after the school department announced the closing or delay but now someone contacts him so he can make the “official” video.
“I was so excited that I got to be included,” said O’Connor, who has watched his friend’s career grow as he has worked alongside him. “For me being included, that’s being lucky to know him as my friend.”
Student reaction
The students recognize both of the janitors.
“They’re happy to see us,” said O’Connor, who consistently interacts with the students while cleaning up classroom spills and messes.
“You remember your janitor from your elementary school because I still remember mine,” O’Connor said.
The reactions have mostly been positive, Cash said.
Now, he is getting messages from students across the district on social media, saying things like “Yo, bro, is school canceled or what?” said Cash. And “Bro, you better cancel school tomorrow.”
Even though Cash doesn’t have the power to make that call, he always secretly hopes that school the school department cancels to keep on the good side of students.
Because when school closes, he gets messages like, “Dude, you’re God. Thank you!”
