A supervisor who literally steps into the field almost every day, watches over students and staff in all weather, honors top employees and keeps children safe is this month's STEEL Award winner.
School Safety Supervisor Ivelisse Baez, the overseer of Killeen ISD’s 100 crossing guards, earned a STEEL Award for the month of December.
STEEL is an acronym that means Supporting the Education and Empowerment of Learners.
Recipients receive a circular, steel plaque refined and polished in the welding and automotive paint and body shops at the KISD Career Center.
Baez worked as a regular or substitute crossing guard in the school system beginning in 2009 and returned in 2014. She witnessed firsthand the critically important work guards do daily with little fanfare or notice.
When she earned the supervisor position five years ago, Baez built a motivational program to make sure crossing guards know they are appreciated. She also forged stronger relationships with campus leaders.
It’s not an exaggeration to say Baez knows every employee under her supervision.
She begins receiving text messages as early as 5 in the morning and works diligently to fill gaps, often stepping into the crosswalk herself.
Known as a servant leader, the crossing guard supervisor gives awards for attendance, improvement, kindness and other “caught in the act of caring” honors.
“She cares for her employees like they are her family,” said KISD Safety Director Chuck Kelley.
“As someone who has spent decades working in large governmental agencies, I have never seen such heartfelt leadership. She is an example that even the best and most experienced leaders can learn from.”
“My interest at first was that my children were in school,” Baez recalled. “I saw the need on the campus and started volunteering. I saw the need to be out there and make sure the little ones got safely across.”
As a crossing guard, Baez started bringing a speaker to play music to cheer up students who were sad and noticed the difference it made to the children.
“Now, I’m taking care of all the guards. Knowing I walked their same path, we can relate. I can’t stop (caring for them). I have to lead by example and cover for them and go and see them to make sure they are OK,” she said.
“Now we can help more,” she said, noting how many crossing guards have extended their reach into helping inside the schools.
“It’s shocking,” she said of receiving the surprise award. “It took me by surprise completely.”
“Ivelisse brings out the best in others because she has such a big heart,” said Kelley. “I cannot imagine our work environment without her.”
