MANSFIELD ISD CELEBRATES SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
From classroom paraprofessionals to bus drivers to cafeteria workers , Mansfield ISD support professionals are an integral part of
ensuring students are life , career , and college ready . The district is currently hiring student nutrition staff , bus drivers , maintenance professionals and others who are looking for a district to call home . Visit www . mansfieldisd . org / careers to apply .
AURORA HERNANDEZ Student Nutrition Kitchen Manager ,
Alma Martinez Intermediate School
Aurora Hernandez says to some , her job may not look difficult .
“ To some people it seems easy – just come and serve ,” Hernandez said .
“ But there ’ s a lot you need to know .” As a kitchen manager , Hernandez manages ordering , a budget , accommodates shortages , and finds ways to minimize food waste . Also , she ’ s experienced challenges and persevered alongside her department during her seven years in the district , including the COVID-19 pandemic , freezing winters , and power outages .
“ We keep feeding the kids ,” she said . “ We are unstoppable .”
Before working for Mansfield ISD , Hernandez was a stay-at-home mom . She was looking for a position with a schedule that would allow her to still take care of her family . After she began working at Mansfield High School , she saw that her field offered the potential to learn and grow .
As the leader of her kitchen staff , Hernandez says it ’ s important to make sure interactions with students are positive .
“ No matter what happened at home or on the way to school , we can always put a smile on students ’ faces ,” she said .
TOM CORNELL Plumber , Maintenance Department
Others describe Tom Cornell as highly skilled and patient . These two traits are just part of the reason Cornell excels as a plumber in the district . He begins his day earlier than many , clocking in at 7 a . m ., and is on call in case of afterhours emergencies .
“ When a situation is high stress , he ’ s even-keeled ,” said Martin Davis , district plumbing supervisor .
Cornell has been with MISD for 10 years but has about 30 year ’ s worth of experience in the plumbing industry . He ’ s worked in construction , and he is knowledgeable about all phases of plumbing .
There are several reasons Cornell enjoys his job , including working with his coworkers . But most of all he appreciates his flexible schedule so he can take time off to be with his family if needed . The veteran plumber has five children and nine grandchildren .
In his spare time , Cornell enjoys fishing and competing in barbecue contests . He ’ s even won an award for his ribs . Yet , you ’ ll never hear him bragging about his skills . When asked what makes him a great plumber , he said he didn ’ t know how to answer
that question . But his supervisor had plenty to say about him .
“ His skillset is very high in all aspects of his job ,” said Davis . “ He ’ s got a wonderful personality . He ’ s nice to be around and enjoyable to talk to .”
MICHAEL SMITH Grounds Athletics at Legacy High
School , Maintenance Department
Before meetings start in the grounds department , it ’ s not uncommon to see staff gathered around Michael Smith , who manages grounds athletics at Legacy High School .
“ All the guys listen to his stories ,” said Chris Wood , district grounds
athletic fields supervisor . Smith always has a story to tell about his family , or his fishing and golfing adventures .
Others describe Smith as funny and always happy to be at work . His positive attitude is matched by his dedication to his job .
“ Mike is a perfectionist ,” said Wood . “ He ’ s one of my top guys . He knows his job well , and he takes care of business .”
Smith says it takes a team to keep athletic fields pristine , like his coworkers who manage weed control , irrigation and more . He says he can always rely on his supervisor to provide extra help when it ’ s needed , too .
In his spare time , Smith coaches baseball for 11-year-olds and is a partner owner of Texas Sox Baseball . He also enjoys spending time with his family ; he and his wife have six children and eight grandchildren .
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