December's Outstanding Employees

This month's honorees include a head custodian, secretary/clerk, health assistant, and Medicaid specialist.

If Albuquerque Public Schools employs you, you know we have some very dedicated professionals on our team. For the fifth year, the district recognizes at least a few of these outstanding employees through the Employee Recognition Program. 

All staff members employed for at least six months can be nominated, though we ask that you not nominate yourself.

Nominate an APS employee!

December's Honorees

• Sidney Jaramillo – Head Custodian, Chamiza Elementary
• Teena Reif – Secretary/Clerk, Apache Elementary
• Erlinda Romero – Health Assistant, E.G. Ross Elementary
• Gail Schmitt – Medicaid Specialist, Accountability & Medicaid Operations

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will have an opportunity to visit with Superintendent Elder or his representative. They also will be recognized by the APS Board of Education and receive a lasting memento.

Learn More About December's Nominees

Sidney Jaramillo – Head Custodian, Chamiza Elementary

Sidney Jaramillo is described as someone who is always willing to help. Sidney takes great pride in keeping his school in tip-top condition to create an optimum learning environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Over the many years Sidney has been at Chamiza Elementary, he has remained optimistic, friendly, and helpful. Students, staff, and families are always greeted with warm and encouraging words. People who know Sidney admire his work ethic, effervescent smile, and can-do attitude. APS is grateful to professionals like Sidney, who enjoy their work and serve as excellent role models for our students and staff.

Teena Reif – Secretary/Clerk, Apache Elementary

Teena Reif is described as a selfless and caring individual who enjoys her work and brings happiness to those around her. If you visit Apache Elementary School, you will be greeted enthusiastically by Teena in the front office. Over time, Teena has graciously taken on more responsibilities and now holds both positions of clerk and receptionist.

Teena’s dedication goes beyond the front office. It’s not unusual for Teena to attend PTA meetings, sub as the health assistant, or step up to handle other essential duties to ensure students and staff receive the best service and care available. The team at Apache Elementary can’t imagine what they would do without her.

Erlinda Romero – Health Assistant, E.G. Ross Elementary

Erlinda Romero is a high-performing, respected employee who succeeds at making E.G. Ross Elementary a better school. One shining example of Erlinda’s dedication is the time and effort she provided during the COVID pandemic to improve the district’s healthcare process.

As the Health Assistant at E.G. Ross, Erlinda took it upon herself to streamline the process schools use to verify paper health charts. The system Erlinda created allowed the paper charts to be shared electronically to shorten the wait time needed to accommodate various student requests. Erlinda understands the need for urgency in situations like this, and her expertise makes a difference.

Holistically serving students is one of Erlinda’s trademarks. In stressful situations, Erlinda is calm, completes her reporting duties with efficiency and ease, and still finds time to make our students feel comfortable and confident we are doing everything possible to provide the best care possible.

Gail Schmitt – Medicaid Specialist, Accountability & Medicaid Operations

In the twelve short months, Gail Schmitt has been with Albuquerque Public Schools, she has made a big enough impression to be promoted from an Administrative Assistant to a Medicaid Specialist.

The majority of Gail’s clients receive special education services and already face many hardships. Gail’s team members applaud her for the excellent care and diligence she shows toward guests who visit the office.

Gail is the first face people see as they get on and off the elevator. With her warm smile and caring attitude, Gail lets our students and families know she is there to help them navigate a cumbersome process and stay with them until they get what they need.

Gail is one of several people in the Medicaid Operations office who embrace and exemplify outstanding customer service.