Through many years of playing weekly card games, Julie Carson has mastered the art of a good poker face. But she can’t hide her love for Harris County Department of Education, as her passion becomes tangible through hard work and dedication.  

“I love what HCDE stands for and what we do for the community,” Carson said. “When I look at videos of the kids and think about what our schools provide them, I believe in it.” 

A large part of upholding HCDE’s mission to enrich educational opportunities is having an incredible support staff. Carson was named the Department’s May Employee of the Month for her innate ability as a caretaker.  

“I handle the maintenance and custodial side of the Irvington building,” the operations coordinator said. “That could mean cleaning the kitchen, helping iron tablecloths or setting tables for an event.”  

That’s on top of ensuring the safety and beautification of the administration building. In reality, Carson has a hand in whatever you can think of.  

“They don’t call her the queen of everything for nothing,” joked Events Coordinator Shelby Buchtien, who works closely with Carson when planning gatherings like Picnic in the Parking Lot and the Chili Cook-Off.  

However, Carson’s wealth of knowledge extends well beyond the Facilities division. She grew up in the Lindale community, attending Janowski Elementary School as a child before her family relocated to Alief Independent School District.  

She began working for a construction company after school as an accountant. Over the next 13 years, she started a family with the birth of twin boys ‒ Kyle and Cameron ‒ who turn 27 this October.  

HCDE’s Business Services division welcomed Carson into the fold in 2008, where she spent two years as an accounting/payroll clerk before transitioning to Facilities as an administrative assistant at North Post Oak. When the division made hierarchy changes in 2019, Carson jumped at the opportunity to step into her current role.  

“I was really ready for a change, a challenge,” Carson remembered. “I have a great group of maintenance guys that have been patient with me, and they’ve taught me what I need to know because I’m always asking questions.”  

Assistant Director of Facilities Javier Lara has witnessed Carson blossom into a confident supervisor who takes the initiative to solve problems quickly and ensure HCDE employees’ comfort.  

“Knowing that Julie is in this building gives me the peace of mind to take care of other properties because I know she has everyone taken care of,” Lara said. “We are to the point where if anything happens, instead of calling me, she’s already handled the issue. Then she calls me with an update. It’s great.” 

Added Buchtien: “I think she’s the most deserving person of this accolade. Right when I started, I saw her willingness to help anyone shine through, and she deserves to be recognized for that.”  

When Buchtien was hired as the Department’s first events coordinator in November, Carson was a huge help in planning the 2023 holiday parties.  

“Julie was there to meet with me for each event and go through the planning process, what we’ve done previously and had ideas for things we could do in the future to elevate HCDE’s events,” Buchtien said in a grateful tone.  

Several events later, they are a well-oiled machine, getting spaces set up and decorated in record time for employees to relax and have a great experience.  

“I love watching everybody have a great time because they deserve it,” Carson smiled. “That’s what means the most to me. I take pride in this building and those events because I enjoy doing things for our employees and seeing them happy.”  

Carson’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed at the recent Picnic in the Parking Lot events. Assistant Superintendent for Academic Support Services Jonathan Parker and Chief of Staff Danielle Bartz nominated her for being the “go-to” person for any and everything. 

“Those events absolutely would not have gone on without her help,” Buchtien said. “I think we are each other’s right-hand gal, and we can immediately call each other for help. It’s nice to have that casual relationship with someone.”  

Added Carson: “I get about 35 to 40 phone calls and emails daily. When people learn I have texting capabilities, it’s constant texting too!”  

When the day ends, Carson doesn’t hear the call of coworkers but rather royalty. The king of spades or queen of hearts, to be exact. She enjoys meeting with friends weekly to play her favorite card game ‒ poker. 

She raises the stakes by putting her training to the test with two to three yearly visits to Las Vegas.  

“I am a card shark and have bluffed several people,” Carson laughed. “I’ve won several times, and it’s always a thrill when you win. When you lose, not so much.”  

Much like an ace is needed to complete a royal flush, HCDE needs Carson to ensure everything runs smoothly 24/7. She’s become instrumental in employees’ daily lives, events and communication with outside organizations.  

“It makes me feel pretty awesome to know that I’m an instrumental part of the puzzle piece for HCDE,” Carson said. “I couldn’t have asked to be in a better division than Facilities. We are the ones at the forefront. We are the ones who make sure everyone comes into a clean, safe building every day. We will keep doing it because we love it.”