Sonoma County Office of Education

Employee Spotlight: Jorge Torres

05/27/2019 -

Jorge TorresName:
Jorge Torres

Years at SCOE:
Six

Job Title:
Maintenance Groundskeeper

How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
I make sure the children have what they need to be productive. I provide indoor and outdoor maintenance at all SCOE sites, including El Colegio, Valley of the Moon, Amarosa, Headwaters, and more. Each location is different. For instance, with the medical therapy units, you really have to be careful with noises and smells. Some kids can be allergic, so you can’t wear any scents. I get to see a lot of different departments. It’s really nice to be a part of it.

Where did you grow up?
Geyserville. My school had a rivalry with Cloverdale, where Cody Grosskopf (from IT) went to school. Sometimes we still joke about the rivalry.

Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why? Mr. Fernando Nugent. I think he was our favorite because he was really strict. He really wanted us to do well and learn. He passed away my senior year.

What is your favorite thing about working for SCOE?
The community at SCOE and in my department. I really feel that we have our ups and downs together. There is a camaraderie there.

What is one of your most memorable moments as a SCOE employee?
I’m a foodie. Those tri-tips that Dr. Herrington lets us have at the back to school barbecue every year are one of my favorite things.

Jorge Torres holds a fish he caught Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
When the weather is bad, it’s video games. When the weather is decent, it’s fishing. I go out in the kayak on the ocean or fish on the Russian River in the wintertime. That’s my meditation.

What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
The Russian River.

What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I was a recluse in high school. I was the biggest hermit you can imagine. It was because of the bad influence of kids I hung out with who kept me in my shell. I changed my crowd and it changed my whole life. I feel I’m better for it because I know what not changing can do. Staying stagnant is not a good thing.