Fabens ISD maintenance director reports jump in completed work orders, outlines preventive plan

Jesus Barba, director of maintenance, facilities and operations, told the Fabens ISD Board of Trustees on May 21 that the district has shifted its maintenance strategy from reactive repairs to preventive maintenance and has increased completed work orders to the mid-90s.

"We started off at about 65% of work orders being completed, and on May 12 we had reached a 94%," Barba said. He described a new facility maintenance handbook, reintroduced employee evaluations, and a program of monthly employee recognition intended to raise standards across the department.

Barba reviewed steps the department has taken to move toward preventive care, including a needs assessment developed with HVAC, electrical and skilled-maintenance leads, summer preparation and winterization plans for HVAC units, and a goal-driven approach for staff performance. He said crews handled many projects in-house, including painting, partitions and security improvements at campus offices.

Board president Mister Estrada asked specifically about playing-field conditions and the elementary playground. Barba replied that the district had begun aeration and fertilization in March and planned hydroseeding to improve the field, and that the playground would need to be replaced in full rather than repaired because of how it was originally purchased.

The presentation also listed vacancies in the maintenance department, and Barba outlined the department's principles — including safety, communication and staff development — and said supervisors will continue monitoring work-order completion against the district goal.

Board members did not take formal action during the presentation; the update concluded with Barba inviting trustees to visit completed projects. No vote was recorded.

The maintenance report was one of several administrative updates at the May 21 board meeting.