Award recipients Facilities Administrative Specialist Amanda Padilla and Grounds Manager Orlando Garcia. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools were recently recognized for their outstanding maintenance of their facilities. Los Alamos achieved high ratings in all areas.
Grounds Manager Orlando Garcia was honored by the state with the Ben Lujan Maintenance Award for Grounds Foreman of the Year.
In addition, Amanda Padilla, Facilities Administrative Specialist, received her Facilities Master Certificate from CES/PSFA. She completed seven different modules over the past two years to graduate from the program.
“Orlando has worked for the district nearly 20 years and has honed his skills in irrigation, welding, turf management and many other crafts. Amanda Is starting her 4th year with the district. Her organizational and problem-solving skills have been tremendous in helping guide the department through COVID and staff shortages. But what I am most appreciative of, from both of them, is their positive attitude and commitment to customer service,” Director of Facilities/Operations Tommy Castillo said.
Superintendent Jennifer Guy stressed the importance of maintaining school buildings.
“LAPS takes a great deal of pride in maintaining our schools,” she said. “High quality facilities are essential for student learning. I am grateful to everyone in our facilities and custodial departments who work hard every day caring for our schools and our students.”
Superintendent Guy added, “Mr. Castillo’s outstanding leadership focuses on ensuring we have the best learning environments for our students. I am glad the state recognizes their dedication and hard work. The recognition is well deserved!”
The Ben Lujan Maintenance Achievement Awards, in its 17th year, were created to recognize NM Public School maintenance and operations staff and teams dedicated to maintaining quality facility conditions supporting their educational environments and the success of teachers, students and communities.
The awards, named in honor of the late Speaker of the House, Ben R. Lujan, continues his passion for the students of our state in acknowledging the hard work our maintenance/custodial staff perform on a daily basis to provide for educational facilities that are outstanding in form and function.
