Bond buyer gets a thrill from helping principals make decorating decisions
Maria Cruz
In July of 1999, Maria Cruz was looking for a change. She had had enough of her job’s irregular schedules and was ready to find something more stable and consistent.
“As an auditor, sometimes you would work early in the morning, and sometimes you would work late at night,” she explained.
Enter Cruz’ sister-in-law, who suggested she apply for a clerking job in HISD’s Bond Services. Cruz was hired within the week, and 15 years and two promotions later, she is still serving in that same department.
Now, Cruz says she finds the most satisfaction from the relationships she has built with her colleagues, but she also enjoys helping principals make decisions about how to decorate facilities when new schools or wings are being built.
“You get to walk through the schools with the principals and pick the colors,” she said. “It’s kind of fun.”
Cruz officially marked her 15th anniversary with the district on July 13, but a few other employees are also marking theirs early this month (July 13–19). See if you know anyone on this list:
30 years
- Aaron Booker, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
25 years
- Maria Gonzalez, custodian, Construction & Facility Services
10 years
- Harvey Bradford, teacher, Westside HS
- Stephen Dixon, teacher, Reagan HS
- Kathryn Gorski, ASPIRE program manager, Compensation
- Gary Kansas, teacher, Hamilton MS
- Norma Silva, secretary, Rodriguez ES
5 years
- James Cavazos, IT Customer Service Representative, Barrick ES
- John James, teacher, Madison HS
- James Wilson Jr, teacher, Madison HS
- Tonya Woods, principal, Lewis ES
| Check back next Friday for more July Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
Congratulations Mrs. Cruz!!!! Maria is also a great volunteer and always willing to give back to the children and community at Berry Elementary. She is always willing to help anyone and teach anyone when help is needed at any campus. Thank you Mrs. Cruz for all that you do!