Los Alamos Schools Facilities Team Wins State Maintenance Award

Los Alamos Public Schools received statewide recognition when its Facilities Department was named the recipient of the 2025 Ben Lujan Maintenance Team Award, the district announced January 9. The award honors maintenance and operations teams that support quality facility conditions in New Mexico public schools, and the district said the honor reflects long-term attention to building safety and operational reliability.

Facilities staff attended the CES conference, and two team members, Amber Miera and Herman Salazar, were awarded Facilities Master Certificates from CES/PSFA. Those credentials represent targeted professional development in school facility management and signal that the district is prioritizing training to keep systems—heating, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical—running reliably.

The recognition matters for Los Alamos County beyond a plaque. Well-maintained school buildings are a frontline public health measure: they reduce risks from poor indoor air quality, mold, and infrastructure failures that can exacerbate asthma and other health problems among students and staff. Consistent maintenance also reduces unexpected closures and disruptions to instruction, supports meal programs and extracurricular activities, and protects special education and other services that depend on safe, accessible spaces.

The award also has equity implications. School facility condition is often uneven across districts and correlates with funding disparities that affect educational opportunity and health outcomes. Local investment in training and operational excellence helps ensure students in Los Alamos have reliable access to safe learning environments. By highlighting the role of skilled facilities staff, the award underscores how behind-the-scenes work contributes directly to student well-being and educational equity.

From a policy perspective, the recognition underscores the importance of sustained funding streams and workforce development for school infrastructure. Maintenance teams that are certified and trained are better positioned to manage energy efficiency, comply with health and safety standards, and prioritize preventive work that can save districts money over time. For county leaders and families, the award is a reminder that investment in facilities staff is an investment in children's safety and learning.

Los Alamos Public Schools framed the award and the recent certifications as evidence of ongoing professional development and operational commitment. For parents, staff, and community members, the honor offers reassurance that district officials are attending to the physical and public health conditions that affect daily school life.