Registrars are the heart behind student records

At Thomas Jefferson High School, registrar Louisa Faz ensures no detail is overlooked as she manages records for enrollment and transfers for almost 1,500 students in a role that she said fulfills her passion for helping others.  

Faz is one of hundreds of support team members across the district who are recognized on Nov. 19 as part of American Education Week, Nov. 17-21, for the work they do in supporting teachers and schools. Other team members who are recognized on that day of American Education Week include cafeteria teams, custodians, nurses, office managers, clerks, and so many others who are not in the classroom but without whom schools could not function.

Behind every student and school in Dallas ISD is a registrar or data controller, who safeguards student records to ensure academic success. Through careful work and meaningful interactions with families, Faz helps to create the foundation for a student’s school year.  

“I like to support people, and when they have questions, I try to find the best answer for them,” she said. “We have a good team here at Thomas Jefferson.”  

Her mornings begin with reviewing attendance before turning her attention to parents who stop by with enrollment needs.  

As a registrar, Faz guides families through every step of enrolling their students at Jefferson High School. From maintaining records and attendance to processing transfers, she ensures all students’ data is accurate and complete.  

“When students come from other districts and even other countries,” she said. “I am one of the first people to offer parents support. When they tell me, ‘Thank you, I really appreciate you,’ I feel like I did my job.” 

Faz grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, before moving to the United States after high school. She joined Dallas ISD in 2019 as an attendance clerk and later worked as a teacher’s assistant. These experiences prepared her for the parent-focused, detail-oriented work she does now as a registrar. 

For the past five years, Faz has dedicated herself to community-centered roles that strengthen the inner workings of a school. 

“My work is focused on parent support, but I do get to work closely with the counselors, because they create schedules when I enroll students,” she said. “I enjoy guiding families in the enrollment process. Every student has a unique need, and I love that I get to support their families.”