At the end of last school year, staff member Thomas Williams’ apartment complex suffered an electrical fire resulting in the loss of most of his personal possessions. In addition, budget cuts in the district led him to be reassigned to help with DAEP (Discipline Alternative Education Program) in place of his previous position of ADA (Alternative Day Assignment), or ISS (In School Suspension), coordinator at the high school. Despite this job reassignment, he is still in charge of the textbooks throughout the district and cherishes the time he gets to spend at the high school.

What is your current housing situation?

“Right now, after my apartment complex caught fire, they finally found me another place to move to. I’m there for right now until they get the old apartment rebuilt. The old apartment owners managed to get everyone sorted out into other nearby buildings they own. Everybody has been taken care of as far as finding a place to stay. It just seems like everyone is waiting for them to rebuild and once they do, we’ll be able to move back.”

Has there been a time constraint placed on the rebuilding?

“I drove by there a couple weeks ago and they have torn everything down. The only thing still standing is a concrete slab. I guess right now they’re waiting on the city, as far as designing the structure of the new building. I haven’t heard anything from the landlord, or anything that relates to timing of the rebuilding. I guess everything is still tied up with the insurance companies. Once they get that sorted it out, I’m hoping the construction guys will get out there and start rebuilding. I just wish it would hurry up and happen, but it’s just a slow process. It’s too bad that there are so many things that have to be approved before building can start.”

Is your new apartment close to your old one?

“No, it’s about a couple of miles north. It adds about two or three miles to my commute every day.”

 What are the major changes in your job this year, as opposed to last year? Are you enjoying your new position?

“I really do like my new job, but it is a change. I miss the old gang over there at the high school, but working over here at DAEP is different. I’m still learning new things about the program and all that. It’s a learning experience. Everyday you learn something different. I had a fairly well established system at the high school and I’m working on creating one for down here. Where as before, with ADA, I pretty much ran my own room,  down here I’m an assistant to Coach Haven, who is in charge of DAEP now. We work pretty well together and are trying to establish a pretty responsible program.”

Is DAEP your only duty for the district?

“Well I still like to work SAT and ACT testing and all because it gives me a chance to come back to the high school. Plus they got me back there working with the textbooks, and you know, I like that. After I’m through working DAEP, I come over there to the high school and work on receiving new textbooks and making sure the elementary and middle schools get theirs. I’m in charge of textbooks for the entire district because the only receiving room for LISD is at the high school. It keeps me busy and at the high school, and I enjoy it. I like that.”