State Schools Chief Jack O'Connell Announces Selection of California's 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year
SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today named six exemplary school employees as California's 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year.
"I am proud to announce the selection of six remarkable people who provide enormous support and expertise that is key to their schools' work to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap," said O'Connell. "They represent the best of California's dedicated school support community that is integral to school site operations and the success of our students."
The annual program honors six outstanding classified school employees, each representing one of the following categories: child nutrition, maintenance and operations, office and technical support, para-educator and instructional assistance, support services and security, and transportation.
The 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year are:
Child Nutrition: Darlene Hill, Child Nutrition Worker II, Cajon Valley Union School District, San Diego County.
Ms. Hill has been the nutrition worker at Lexington Elementary School for 17 years. "Darlene approaches her job…with enthusiasm and a love for the children of Lexington School," writes Principal Sylvia Casas-Werkman. "She transforms the auditorium into an environment that is positive and warm for children and greets each child by their first name as they enter."
Maintenance and Operations: Fred Avelar, Head Custodian, North Humboldt Union School District, Humboldt County.
Mr. Avelar has been the lead custodian at McKinleyville High School for 17 years. "Fred serves our staff and students first and never fails to give a few words of encouragement to anyone in need," writes Principal David Lonn. "He is an exceptional employee, providing the school and district his attention to detail and expertise on a daily basis. He participates in the school on many levels, including serving on the Safe School Committee and the School Site Council."
Office and Technical: Cindy Mangan, School Secretary, Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento County.
Ms. Mangan has been the school secretary at the Regency Park Elementary School for five years and a school secretary for more than 20 years. "Cindy's daily work, focus to detail, and commitment to relationships is greatly responsible for building our school's positive culture," states Principal Mike Reed. "Everyone knows they can count on Cindy to support them, follow through on her commitments, and meet any timelines required."
Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance: Jerilyn Binker, Instructional Assistant, Nevada County Office of Education, Nevada County.
Ms. Binker has been an instructional assistant at Nevada City School of the Arts for 13 years. "Jeri possesses all the qualities needed to be an excellent aide: she is kind, calm, always fair with children, and she cares deeply and passionately about her work with the students," writes School Director Holly Pettitt. "She comes to school every day with such positive energy it is impossible not to feel good around her. Jerilyn is the perfect employee."
Support Services and Security: Olga Arrieta, Community Liaison, Alum Rock Union School District, Santa Clara County.
Ms. Arrieta has been a Community Liaison at Dorsa Elementary School for seven years. "During this time Olga has proven to be the most committed employee, an essential team member, and outstanding leader," writes Principal Norma Rodriguez. "Her commitment to support and empower all parents to work as a team with the school community to ensure high-quality education for all students is lived with high energy and absolute determination for excellence in every task she undertakes."
Transportation: Phil Slater, Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic, Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Orange County.
Mr. Slater has been a mechanic in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Transportation Department since 1978. "What really sets Phil apart is the manner in which he approaches issues," writes Pete Meslin, director of transportation. "He is thorough, thoughtful, dependable, and takes his responsibility for child safety seriously. Phil is an integral part of a very successful team of mechanics."
O'Connell personally notified and congratulated the winners Wednesday morning by phone.
Ninety-four applicants from 25 counties competed for the 2010 awards. Each of the awardees underwent a county and state review process. At the state level, applications were reviewed by a team of job category experts, including at least one member representing local educational agency administration, one member representing employee job-alike groups, and one member provided by the California Department of Education who reviewed the candidates on the basis of at least five years of service in their nomination category. Candidate evaluation was organized around four themes: work performance, school/community involvement, leadership and commitment, and service above and beyond.
O'Connell will formally honor the six award recipients on May 18 at a recognition luncheon he is hosting in Sacramento. The luncheon coincides with California's observation of the Classified School Employee Week, May 17-21, 2010.
The California Classified School Employees of the Year Award is sponsored by the California Department of Education in partnership with the California School Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, California Teachers Association, California Federation of Teachers, Association of California School Administrators, California School Boards Association, and business and industry organizations.
For more information on the California Classified School Employees of the Year Program, please visit: Classified School Employee of the Year - School/Teacher Recognition.