Wanting to be there as her daughter was growing up led Maria Melendez to seek work at Ector County ISD. Twenty-two years later, Melendez works in the Benefits and Risk Management Department and was recently named Paraprofessional of the Year.
“I was so surprised,” she said of getting the recognition. “That was the furthest thing from my mind. It was truly an honor because I never expected it. And the way they did it, my director said, come with me. Let’s celebrate whoever’s getting it because it’s somebody from the administration. They were all lined up in front and they were all taking pictures. Everybody was back there and I’m always kind of in the back. When I walked out, everybody turned around so I was like, oh my goodness. I didn’t realize it was for me until everybody turned around and said congratulations. It was a neat surprise; totally unexpected,” Melendez said.
She started off working at AIM High School as an aide and was promoted to secretary. After AIM closed, she was interviewed by Benefits and Risk Management. She’s been there since 2011.
At the campus, she wore a lot of different hats. At Benefits and Risk Management, she still interacts with a lot of people, but it’s district employees, as opposed to students.
This is Melendez’s busy time of year.
“It’s people who are leaving the district, whether they’re retiring or going elsewhere. And then, of course, we have new staff coming in. Of course, HR process them, but we do their benefits so they still have to come through our office,” Melendez said.
She added that she enjoys every aspect of her job, which involves everything from answering the phones and greeting people to assisting employees with life changes that impact their benefits.
Melendez also keeps the Benefits and Risk Management web page updated.
“I love interacting with people. I love what I do, like working with reports and data and that type of thing, but I love getting to know the people that work for ECISD just as I do,” Melendez said.
Director of Benefits and Risk Management Yolanda Gordon said Melendez is an asset to ECISD.
“… She is always professional, has (an) impeccable work ethic and has wonderful customer service skills. I am very proud of Maria and this award was well deserved,” Gordon said.
A native of Fort Stockton, Melendez and her husband, Joe, have one daughter and six grandchildren, who all attend ECISD schools.
“… I’m very honored and grateful for this award and that it was totally unexpected. I appreciate whoever nominated me. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for … them even thinking that I was worth employee of the year, so I’m truly honored,” Melendez said.
