A Spotlight on Our Maintenance and Operations Team

At San José Unified, our Maintenance and Operations team is the backbone of our school district that ensures our schools are not just buildings but vibrant, safe environments where students and staff can thrive. With a team of over 200 dedicated professionals, the scope of their work is vast and essential, from maintaining 3.5 million square feet of indoor space to overseeing 500 acres of outdoor areas. The community often enjoys the benefits of their hard work without seeing the efforts that go into it. But it’s time we change that.

Through interviews with two standout team members, Lilia Valenzuela, and Roger Garcia, we get a firsthand look at what drives these individuals to keep our schools running smoothly daily.

Lilia Valenzuela has dedicated 38 years to the Operations Department at San José Unified, and her story is one of passion and perseverance. Growing up, school wasn’t just a place to learn—it was a safe and welcoming environment that fostered her love of art, math, and history. These experiences shaped her desire to ensure that today’s students can enjoy the same sense of security and opportunity.

Lilia’s role as Assistant Manager in the Operations Department is critical—she is part of the team that prepares the campus every day for students and staff. Her work sets the stage for a productive school day, from making sure classrooms are clean to organizing furniture and materials.

One of Lilia’s proudest moments came in 2018-2019 when she was named Classified Employee of the Year, an honor that was especially meaningful as her peers voted on it. She credits this recognition to her deep sense of responsibility to ensure every child arrives at a clean, safe school where they can focus on learning and growing. For Lilia, her job is much more than maintenance—it’s about fostering an environment that helps students succeed.

Roger Garcia, a Field Coordinator in the Operations Department, exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and adaptability essential in keeping San José Unified schools operational. Roger’s journey with the district began in 2012 as a custodian at Pioneer High School, and he has worked his way up to his current leadership role. His growth within the department reflects his dedication and the supportive environment the district provides for professional development.

Roger’s responsibilities go far beyond overseeing day-to-day operations; his role spans asset tagging, managing hazardous waste pickups, and coordinating safety procedures, among many others. The complexity of his job requires constant flexibility and communication, especially when plans shift unexpectedly.

One of Roger’s most memorable moments came during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his team quickly distributed COVID tests districtwide, ensuring that staff and students had the resources they needed to stay safe. Moments like these highlight the often unseen but vital work the Operations team does behind the scenes to keep the district running smoothly, especially during times of crisis.

Both Lilia and Roger emphasized the importance of teamwork in keeping everything running efficiently. The Maintenance, Grounds, and Operations teams collaborate seamlessly, using a variety of communication channels to stay aligned and meet daily goals. Whether addressing an unexpected power outage, responding to a flooding emergency, or simply ensuring classrooms are ready for the next day, their combined efforts allow for a swift and effective response.

Roger highlights that the key to their success is clear communication and a willingness to pitch in where needed. “Everyone is always willing to help out, whether you’re in the office or on the ground,” he says. This teamwork not only ensures the physical safety and cleanliness of the schools but also creates a sense of camaraderie among the staff, which translates into a positive work environment.

For both Lilia and Roger, the most rewarding part of their jobs is knowing that their work directly impacts the well-being and success of students and staff. Lilia says, “I like to think of it as setting the stage before the production begins.” When everything is in place, students and staff can focus on their education and growth without distractions or concerns. For Roger, the satisfaction comes from the trust and support his team provides to ensure the schools operate efficiently.

From cleaning classrooms to responding to emergencies, the Maintenance and Operations teams play a pivotal role in creating a positive, productive learning environment. They are an integral part of what makes our district unique. The dedication, hard work, and collaboration of individuals like Lilia Valenzuela and Roger Garcia ensure that our schools remain safe, clean, and prepared for students and staff daily.

The next time you walk through the halls of a San José Unified school or step onto the beautifully maintained grounds, take a moment to appreciate the team's efforts behind the scenes. Their commitment to ensuring every student has the space and resources they need to succeed makes our district truly special