Minerva Perez, Employee of the Month for September, is a clerk at Cornelius Elementary School, a position she has held since 1989. She first came to the district in 1980 as a teacher’s aide at West University Elementary School, a role she also performed for Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD while living in the Rio Grande Valley.As a general clerk, Perez is responsible for maintaining the records of all her campus’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students. She also helps answer the phone at the front desk and serves as a member of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. Born in McAllen, Texas, and raised in its sister city, Pharr, Perez moved to the Bayou City in 1979 after getting married. She lives in Houston with her husband of 34 years, Larry. When not working, she enjoys reading, sewing, creating arts and crafts, and learning to play the bass guitar.
“Ms. Perez is so deserving of this title,” said Principal Karen Jackson. “She is a caring and warm-hearted person who is always supportive and positive. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her complain. Each year, she puts together the most creative little treats for the entire staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. One year, she made movie-themed popcorn baskets, and another year she brought chocolate-covered strawberries. She doesn’t leave anybody out.”
“Ms. Perez is a superwoman who actively works to make our lives better,” said Assistant Principal Laura Gonzalez. “She keeps adding things to her to-do list that she probably shouldn’t, but because she’s such a self-starter and proactive, she does it without hesitation. She is always positive and energetic.”
“Ms. Perez is the go-to person for just about everything in our school,” said Cornelius Elementary School clerk Kathryn Riggins. “It is always assumed that if ‘little things’ need to be done, Minnie is supposed to do them. She spoils the faculty and staff, and she has incredible patience and tolerance for adverse situations. She is a remarkable person and a rare jewel.”
