Support Services Mitigation Efforts is a Districtwide Effort
Jose Aleman Sebastian Mizcles Jesus Tinoco
Joe Gomez, Jesus Martinez, Jose Cardona, & Dexter Harman
SAN ELIZARIO, TEXAS – In the San Elizario Independent School District (SEISD), the support services department has taken extensive measures to add very noticeable reminders for all to social distance. All the measures enacted have one focus in mind, which is to help mitigate the pandemic while students and staff are on campus. Aside from the maintenance of all district buildings, the department personnel engaged in looking at support services from a whole different perspective.
Mr. Jesus Martinez, the Director of Support Services, attributes the department's success to Dexter Harman, the Supervisor for Support Services & Transportation, Joe Gomez, the Supervisor for Warehouse, and Jose Cardona, the Security Supervisor. Martinez states, "The supervisors have a great working relationship where they always come together for one goal, which is to serve the students and staff of SEISD."
During the pandemic, everyone's efforts have been instrumental in leading crews in preparing facilities to ensure the safety of all, keeping our district secure, and upkeeping the district's 161 acres and 753,883 square ft. of building spaces ready and welcoming.
The COVID-19 mitigation efforts have been strong, as over 4,000 social distancing decals meticulously applied to district hallways and numerous other areas. Other mitigation efforts include air quality improvement through needlepoint bi-polar ionization, hand sanitizing stations made readily available, desk shields for teachers districtwide, thermal scanners, reception area plexiglass shields, sneeze guards for elementary students, and more frequent cleaning and sanitizing of high touch areas to name a few.
The department also has additional duties such as collaboration in planning, preparing, and supporting events like the food bank distributions and the community COVID-19 testing site. The drive-thru flu shot clinics, and most recently a testing site for students and staff through the BinaxNOW, which is the recent rapid testing kits made available by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The department actively engaged to execute services support.
Many projects shifted and adjusted as a result of the growing pandemic situation in the region. The projects continue to evolve for a conducive environment despite the current circumstances. Martinez adds, "I am fortunate to work alongside them leading crews because of their character and integrity."
The sense of urgency to address mitigation efforts districtwide were focused on getting teacher classrooms ready for the return of students and teachers. The department thoroughly prepared and met Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Meza-Chavez's expectations for mitigation readiness. Meza-Chavez walked into every classroom where teachers and students were expected to be in. As per Martinez, "Having met those expectations shows the resilience which defines the department's sense of purpose to serve."