(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Aug. 13, 2025) — After heavy rain swept through El Paso Tuesday evening, the El Paso ISD maintenance and custodial teams sprang into action to ensure students arrived Wednesday morning to clean, safe classrooms, ready to learn. Among the campuses most affected by the rainfall were Mesita Elementary and Mesita Early Childhood Development Center.
The brief but heavy rainfall caused some areas outside the campuses to overflow with water and left several front entrances slippery and wet. The El Paso ISD maintenance and custodial teams went above and beyond, working extra hours to ensure classrooms were safe, clean, and ready for students and staff in the morning. Their efforts ensured the campuses were fully prepared for learning despite the difficult conditions.
“It rained a lot last night in this part of town, so we wanted to make sure our schools didn’t have any issues like leaks or flooding,” said Custodian Supervisor Daniel Navarrete. “Our maintenance team came in earlier than scheduled to finish any cleanup before students arrived. Our work is important because we want to keep our students, staff, and teachers safe.”
Navarrete, who has worked for El Paso ISD for over 30 years, said his team’s commitment goes beyond the clock. “I love my job, and I like helping the students and staff. I love helping people,” he said. “We’re always on a 24/7 schedule, and when we call them, they respond very quickly.”
SEE MORE PHOTOS: El Paso ISD custodians showcase dedication after severe rainstorm
The swift work of these maintenance and custodial crews prevented disruption to the school day and ensured students could focus on learning, and not the weather. Their efforts are a testament to the dedication of El Paso ISD’s maintenance and custodial teams, whose hard work often happens behind the scenes but plays a critical role in keeping campuses safe and welcoming for all.
“Our custodial and maintenance staff are unsung heroes,” said Interim Superintendent Martha Aguirre. “Their quick action, dedication, and pride in their work make an incredible difference for our students and staff every single day. We are deeply grateful for their service and commitment to excellence.”