District Operations
District Operations includes Auxiliary Services, Child Nutrition Services, Maintenance & Operations, Safety & Security and Transportation. Each department within District Operations is committed to providing excellent customer service in addressing the needs of Fort Worth ISD schools and facilities. We strive to give the highest level of support to principals, teachers and staff by providing safe and secure campuses, transportation and nutritious meals, along with products, expertise and services to maintain clean and attractive buildings and grounds.
Auxiliary Services, including Central Services, oversees warehouses, maintains general supplies and equipment and transports food items, furniture, band equipment and other items to and from schools and administrative offices. Online auctions are conducted through an outside vendor for the disposal of surplus items and equipment. The Go Green Save Green campaign to increase recycling and to build awareness of energy conservation is a collaborative effort between Communications, Energy Management and Auxiliary Services.
Child Nutrition Services provides breakfast and lunch in all schools and snacks for schools with after-school programs. FWISD received $563,000 from the Texas Department of Agriculture Square Meals program to purchase new equipment for school cafeterias for 2009-10. Items approved to purchase include food processors, mixers, ovens, freezers, steamers, and refrigerators. Parents may now submit applications for free or reduced-priced meals online. Applications completed online are normally approved within 24 hours. In addition, parents may utilize the mylunchmoney.com website, an online meal payment system, to pre-pay their children's meals and view their purchases. Healthy food choices are offered in coordination with the Texas State Public Schools Nutrition Policy, which regulates nutrients in food items (reducing fat, sugar and salt content).
Maintenance & Operations includes Custodial Services, Energy Management, Environmental Management, Landscaping and Painting and Fleet Management, in addition to regular facility maintenance. Along with the Division of Technology, Maintenance & Operations introduced a new work order system, which was created to enhance timely responses and completion of work orders based on priorities -- supported by excellent communication tools. Clean and well-maintained facilities, efficiency in energy and environmental issues and overall team spirit help to support principals, other administrators and teachers in the daily readiness of campuses. Special projects include painting of interiors and exteriors, re-paving parking lots, installing and repairing equipment and overseeing designated renovations and special assignments. An example is the renovation of the grounds and facilities at the Outdoor Learning Center, which was reopened last year. Fleet Management oversees the planning and maintenance of all District vehicles to maximize resources and efficiency. The Campus Beautification Program includes awards and recognition for outstanding building exteriors and grounds.
Safety & Security works closely with the Fort Worth and Benbrook Police Departments to ensure a safe and secure environment for students and teachers. Safety and security measures are designed to create and sustain a positive learning environment, as well as to protect property. Training and drills to enhance emergency preparedness are also executed, including staff instruction, evacuation drills and the use of defibrillators.
Transportation Services (student bus transportation) utilizes a routing system and field trip software to best serve our students. The FWISD is receiving $1,635,256 to assist in funding 25 hybrid school buses awarded as part of the Department of Energy Clean Cities grant program. These buses will have the potential to provide up to 30%-40% improved fuel efficiency in standard in-city applications. Other updates include digital video systems in new buses and installation of the systems in many current buses. Last year, School Bus magazine listed the Fort Worth ISD as having the 64th largest bus fleet in the United States.