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After 9 years, Fusco bids farewell to PSS
Public School System personnel pose for a photo during the farewell luncheon for PSS Facilities Development Management director Rachel Fusco, fifth from the left, last Wednesday at the Board of Education building on Capital Hill. (Kimberly A. Bautista)
Rachel Fusco, the current Public School System Facilities Development Management director, bade farewell to PSS last Friday after nine years of service, citing “personal reasons.”
In a short interview with Fusco, she said her last day with PSS was last Jan. 10.
“I’m leaving for personal reasons. I’ve been here for nine years so I’ll be leaving to pursue other career advancements. I’m going to take a break and explore other options,” she said.
In her years with PSS, Fusco has aided, and even spearheaded recovery efforts, which she considers the highlight of her time with PSS.
“The biggest challenges we’ve had were definitely the past two typhoons starting with Soudelor and then Yutu. That was just major recovery. We’ve done a lot. The Marianas High School cafeteria, all the Soudelor recovery—it’s been very rewarding for me to work at PSS and I really felt like my time here has served the community and students, so I’m very grateful for that,” she said.
With her certificate in Leadership in Energy and Efficiency and Environmental Design, Fusco has helped incorporate sustainability and green design to PSS projects. Her biggest takeaway that she said she will carry with her in her future endeavors would be her experience in dealing with various groups of people.
“With PSS, I’ve really had the opportunity to do lots of different thing, lots of experience with different funding sources, working hand in hand with the Legislature, parent and teachers organizations, and also with the students. I’ve gotten a sample of all of that,” she said.
Fusco said she will be leaving PSS on a high note, having closed as many loose ends as possible in her recovery work with PSS campuses.
“I just wish everybody the best. I’ve tried my best to close out any loose ends and I feel everything is in order for the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” she said.
PSS has yet to name her replacement.
