Some Dallas ISD students are participating in a summer internship with the district’s Maintenance and Facility Service Department.
Under the tutelage of department employees, interns are learning about what it takes to keep a school facility running.
“I get to the shop around 6 a.m. to clock in,” said Skyline High School student Erika R., according to Dallas ISD’s The Hub. “Around 6:30 a.m., my mentor, Lindsey, checks work orders for the day. After arriving at the schools, we find the problem, and hands-on work is done as required.”
Internships with the Maintenance and Facility Service Departments offer hands-on experience, skill development, and industry exposure. Students gain practical knowledge and get a taste of the field.
“It gives students the chance to experience real-world businesses,” said Katherine Murdock, manager of maintenance in the department, per The Hub. “Our interns are gaining valuable people skills, technical knowledge from experienced mentors, and the ability to practice skills learned in their courses.”
The Maintenance and Facility Service Department is responsible for keeping campuses clean, maintaining grounds and facilities, conducting pest management, and executing electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC projects as required.
“The work is not glamorous, but they have all made a commitment to do an excellent job and learn as much as they can from their mentors,” Murdock said. “I am really impressed with our interns and the dedication they have for their craft and the job.”
Despite the hard work of the school system’s educators, Dallas ISD has been struggling to deliver a quality education during the regular school year.
The latest accountability report from the Texas Education Agency shows that just 41% of Dallas ISD students scored at grade level on their STAAR tests in 2021-2022, and nearly 20% of the graduating class failed to obtain a diploma within four years.