Behind the Mission: Celebrating Mission CISD Custodians Who Keep Schools Shining

MISSION, TEXAS – At Mission CISD, dedication is not just a value, it is a way of life. Every school day begins long before the first bell rings, thanks to the men and women who keep schools safe, clean, and welcoming. Few embody that spirit more clearly than Ester Rodríguez, a custodian at Pearson Elementary who has dedicated more than 45 years of service to the district. With a contagious laugh, a joyful spirit, and a love for her work, Ms. Rodríguez represents the heart of what it means to serve “Behind the Mission.”

Rodríguez first became involved with Mission CISD as a parent volunteer, giving her time and energy to support her children’s school. In 1979, she officially joined the district as a custodian at Roosevelt Elementary, where she worked for several years before transferring to Pearson Elementary. There, she has continued her career for more than four decades, becoming a beloved and familiar presence for generations of students, teachers, and staff.

For Ms. Rodríguez, custodial work is more than a job—it is a calling. She takes great pride in maintaining a clean and safe environment, knowing that her efforts directly impact the health and success of every child who walks through the doors. As she explains, “La importancia de mantener limpio es por la salud de los niños y de las personas que estamos aquí trabajando” (The importance of keeping things clean is for the health of the children and the people working here). By ensuring that classrooms, hallways, and common areas are welcoming and spotless, Rodríguez helps create the conditions where students can focus, teachers can teach, and learning can thrive.

Her dedication has left an impression on generations of students. Former students often stop to greet her, recalling the times she kept the school spotless—even when they made a little extra mess. With a laugh, she remembers, “Me decían acuérdate que te hacían mugreros en el baño, te enojabas” (They would tell me, remember how we made a mess in the bathroom and you would get upset). For Rodríguez, these encounters are not just funny reminders of the past—they are proof of the lasting impact custodians have in the lives of students, often quietly but profoundly.

What stands out most to Rodríguez is the bond she has formed with generations of students. Many who have long since graduated still remember her smile, her laughter, and her dedication to keeping their school a welcoming place. For her, each interaction is a reminder that custodians play a special role in the student experience—not just by maintaining the physical environment, but by being a steady, caring presence throughout a child’s journey in school. Her more than 45 years of service mean she has touched the lives of thousands, leaving a legacy as bright as the halls she keeps clean.

On Custodian Appreciation Day, Mission CISD proudly recognizes not only Ms. Rodríguez but every custodian across the district whose work makes student success possible. Like Ms. Rodríguez, these men and women are more than caretakers of buildings—they are part of the story of each child who passes through our schools. Their dedication, often behind the scenes, creates safe and welcoming spaces where futures are built.

“Behind every lesson taught, every student achievement, and every success story, there are custodians who made the environment possible,” said Mission CISD Superintendent Dr. Cris Valdez. “We are grateful for the service and commitment of individuals like Ms. Rodríguez, whose decades of dedication inspire us all and remind us of the power of quiet leadership.”

To see more of Ms. Rodríguez’s story in her own words, watch her video here: