CISD UNSUNG HEROES MAKING A DIFFERENCE Spotlight on Relationships:

All CISD employees are committed to taking care of our students, including those who serve children outside of the classroom. CISD is spotlighting some of our unsung heroes who impact the lives of our children behind the scenes.

Sara Cruz

Custodian at Town Center Elementary

Sara Cruz has served as the custodian for Town Center Elementary for 12 years and has worked in CISD for 25 years.

“I love it here and watching the students grow from kindergarten to 5th grade,” Cruz said. “The learners at Town Center are so polite and sweet and are so happy to see me each day.”

Cruz added, “I love CISD, because everyone makes me feel like I am an important part of their community and family.”

CINDY McCLURE

Crossing Guard at Lakeside Elementary

Cindy McClure is known for putting the safety of the kids and families she serves first. She also is known for the goody bags she hands out on holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“I want the kids to know that I care for them, and I am here for them,” she said. “We are like family.”

“I think it is important we recognize [being a crossing guard] is an important role and helps keep kids safe,” she said.

“Sometimes traffic gets pretty crazy and drivers aren’t always paying attention to the children who are walking to school. I would throw myself out there to protect a kid.”

REGINA WHITAKER Bus Driver

Regina Whitaker wants every one of her bus riders to feel loved, valued and special.

“My goal is to put a smile on their face,” said Whitaker, who has been a bus driver for CISD for six years and driving school buses for 16 years.

She believes that she has an opportunity in the mornings to help students start the day off on a good foot.

“Even if they had a rough morning at home, I can help turn that around so it is a good day at school,” she said. “I also can turn around a rough day at school by making the ride home as positive as possible. I will try to make it a good day.”

Lilian Cruz

Child Nutrition Manager at Denton Creek Elementary

Lilian Cruz has been working in the CISD Child Nutrition Department for 17 years, serving at Coppell High School, CMS East and, now, at Denton Creek Elementary.

“I love working with the kids and knowing that I play a big role in their lives,” Cruz said. “I receive them with a smile every day.”

Cruz says both her and the kids’ favorite meal from the cafeteria is pizza. She also enjoys farm fresh Fridays and serving students fruit and vegetables grown in the Denton Creek school garden. Cruz wants the community to know that school cafeterias provide a variety of healthy food and vegetarian options for students.

“I love CISD because here, you are treated like a family,” she said.

Wayne Neal

Plumber

When Wayne Neal started working for CISD 40 years ago in 1982, when the district had two campuses, the number one movie was “E.T.”, the top song was “Eye of the Tiger,” and among the top TV Shows was “The Greatest American Hero.” Neal has been one of CISD’s greatest and unsung heroes for 40 years.

Neal is a homegrown talent, having graduated from Coppell High School in 1984, which means he started working for CISD while he was in high school and has remained here ever since. From opening new campuses to repairs at all hours during recent ice storms, Neal has dedicated his career to ensure CISD schools are ready to educate students.

“CISD is and always will be my home,” he said. “Making sure that the kids and teachers have a place where they can learn comfortably has been my life’s work, and I am proud to be a part of this district.”