Budget analyst likes her job so much, she (almost) doesn’t consider it work
Lessie James
When Lessie James first came to HISD in the late 1970s, computers were the exception rather than the rule, and she was hired to work in what was then known as the Word Processing department.
“That was before everybody in the world had computers,” explained James. “We typed everything for everybody. I also did editing, proofreading, and scheduling assignments. But 17 years later, they dissolved the department.”
James now serves as a senior analyst in Budgeting and Financial Planning, a role she describes as very gratifying.
“We deal with money, and I love working with principals to help them make the most of their budgets,” said James. “I love my job so much, I feel like I’ve never actually ‘worked’ at a school in all of my years. That’s one reason I haven’t bothered to retire.”
James officially marked her 35th anniversary with the district on Dec. 17, but a few other employees have also marked theirs this month (Dec. 14–Dec. 31). See if you know anyone on this list:
35 years
- Wayne Wise, teacher, Gregg ES
25 years
- Beverly Breaux, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
- David Gonzalez, maintenance repairer, Construction & Facility Services
20 years
- Ralph Colunga, officer, Police Department
- Mercedes Martinez-Lopez, officer, Police Department
10 years
- Ana Chacon, plant operator, Construction & Facility Services
- Criselda Ruiz, teacher, Lyons ES
5 years
- Etta Anderson, clerk, Transportation Services
- Jilianne Barzilla, teacher, HCC Life Skills
- Maria Castañeda, custodian, Construction & Facility Services
- Allison Kerckhoff, teacher, Wilson Montessori
- Jhacole LeGrand, assistant principal, Bellaire HS
- Maria Moreno, clerk, Chávez HS
- José Rodriguez, custodian, Construction & Facility Services
- Deysi Velasquez, custodian, Construction & Facility Services
| Check back with us on Jan. 9, 2015, for more Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees. |
Lessie has always helped with a smile and has made learning easy and fun. Congrats to you!
Congratulations Ms. James! Beautiful person inside and out!
Congratulations on your 35th anniversary, Ms. Lessie! You are a remarkable woman and I am so glad to know you!
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! Your kindness and compassion, your commitment to the Houston Independent School District and your amazing positive energy have all been qualities I have admired in you for the many years I have known you. Thanks for 35 years of dedicated service.
Lessie James is PHENOMENAL. She always has the same demeanor: professional, courteous, helpful, cheerful, kind and handles every question;problem;issue with a smile. She will do everything in her power to be of assistance. HISD is the better for persons like Lessie James.
Congratulations , you are deserving of this recognition .