Spring Branch ISD Featured News

When Ezikiel Medrano was asked to help revive the automotive technology program in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), he didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity to teach and share his expertise with students.

“I’ve always been told I’m good at explaining things and helping people understand complex concepts,” said Medrano. “That’s what really motivated me to take this opportunity. I get to share what I know and help students gain confidence, knowing they can build or repair something with their own hands.”

Medrano has always had a passion for working with cars. He grew up watching The Fast and the Furious, and his dad and uncle were both mechanics.

“I guess you could say fixing cars runs in the blood,” he said.

After high school, he pursued that passion, graduating from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) before going on to work for Infiniti.

Now, with five years of hands-on experience, he is well-equipped to relaunch SBISD’s automotive technology program, which will be offered at the district’s rebuilt Guthrie Center, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program campus serving SBISD students.

Designed to provide an in-depth look at everything from maintenance to diagnostics, as well as building and repairing engines, the program meets Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards and allows students to work toward their ASE certification.

Students can also obtain their EPA 608 credential, a federal certification required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for anyone who services or repairs motor-vehicle air-conditioning (MVAC) systems.

“College isn’t the only path after high school,” said Medrano. “Our program gives students a real head start in a rewarding and essential career. Gaining these skills can quickly help them enter the workforce.”

Medrano has been actively collaborating with OSHA instructors at SBISD’s comprehensive high school campuses to support the Level 1 Safety course within the Automotive program of study.

In addition, he has been leading efforts to recruit students and market the new program while simultaneously developing curriculum and implementation strategies. He is also working to build partnerships and establish an Automotive Advisory Board, a key requirement for certifying the new lab. His engagement across these areas reflects his commitment to launching a high-quality program for students next fall.

“Everyone has been supportive, and the district feels more like a community than just a workplace. You can tell that people genuinely care about their students’ and teachers’ success,” he said.

Feeling that support has only deepened his excitement for what’s ahead, especially as he helps launch a program that gives students real-world skills and confidence.

As the Guthrie Center prepares for its new automotive program, Medrano is eager to see his first group of students learn and grow, both as technicians and as young adults ready for the next chapter of their lives.

“It’s not just about fixing cars; it’s about helping students realize they can solve real-world problems. When they can see what they can accomplish with their own hands, I believe it changes how they see themselves, and I’m excited to play a small role in that process,” he said.

#SBISDProud