As part of Custodian & Groundskeeper Appreciation Week, Austin Independent School District (ISD) is highlighting the dedicated staff who ensure schools run smoothly. This week, Ivan Tovar, head custodian at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC), is in the spotlight for his 35 years of service.
Tovar's commitment to Austin ISD is a family tradition. His sister works as a teaching assistant, and their father is a retired district employee. Despite knowing that the ALC will be demolished and rebuilt after this school year, Tovar continues to maintain the building diligently. He ensures its lawns are kept tidy, walls are power-washed, and floors are polished.
His dedication extends beyond routine tasks. Tovar repairs broken windows and maintains an indoor garden at the school. He describes his work with passion: “We came into this world to leave a legacy—to make the world a better place.”
Tovar's influence is not limited to maintaining the school's physical condition. He motivates other custodians to put in extra effort and view their roles as crucial investments in the district's future. “I encourage other custodians to walk the extra mile, to be generous, to see their mission as one that can save lives,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Tovar credits his father for instilling in him the values of hard work and gratitude. Upon arriving in the U.S. from Mexico, two members of the Human Resources team helped him obtain his GED, enabling him to start working for Austin ISD.
The families served by Tovar appreciate his dedication deeply. When they learned he was building his house years ago, they contributed time and resources to help him complete it sooner than expected.
When asked why he hasn't applied for other jobs within the district, Tovar simply states: “Why would I? I love what I do.”