Keeping 33 schools clean for in-person classes during pandemic is challenge for LCPS staff

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- With in-person learning in Las Cruces now six weeks into the semester, ABC-7 took a look at how the schools are supplied and funded with personal protective equipment (PPE) used to keep everybody safe.

Las Cruces Public Schools spokesperson Kelly Jameson said LCPS continues to receive money, both from the federal government and the state, to pay for PPE - which allows them to prioritize the purchase.

“It's my understanding that some of these funds are available to the district through 2024, so this is the situation for the foreseeable future,” said Jameson. “It's a pretty fluid situation when schools need something they put in a request, it comes here to the warehouse. PPE are prioritized items, so if classrooms are in need of hand sanitizer, disinfectant, wipes - anything like that, its put on a truck immediately and taken to the school.”

ABC-7 visited with custodial staff at Conlee Elementary School to see the hard work that is done in order to keep students and staff safe during a pandemic.

Lead custodian Marty Romero said they not only help protect staff and students from contracting the coronavirus, but other viruses like the flu, that develop in the fall and winter months.

With approximately 27,000 students spread across 33 schools in the district, Romero said it’s important that teachers do their part to teach the kids how to be cooperative with the safety measures in order to ensure a clean environment at all times.

“When you pitch in, everything works great and works perfectly,” said Romero.

He said that along with the cleaning of door handles, chairs and telephones, the custodial night shift staff sprays classrooms with an e-mist disinfectant machine three times a week to prepare rooms for the following day.

“I need to make sure when everybody comes to school (that) everything is just right, so nothing goes wrong,” said Romero.