School classified employees of the week awed by recognition.
Thoroughly dedicated to serving students yet frequently overshadowed by teachers and principals, classified school employees are recognized this week as part of the annual tradition established nearly 50 years ago.
It is no exaggeration, that there is no class without the classified. Celebration of Classified Employees of the Year was first proclaimed by the state in 1969 and then officially established by Senate Bill 1552 in 1986. Whether it is a friendly secretary at the school office to cafeteria, maintenance or custodial worker, bus driver or teacher aide, these employees are an essential part of schools’ learning mission.
May 22 through 26 is California’s Classified School Employee Week and Imperial County School Superintendent Todd Finnell recognized five notable employees.
“These are the everyday heroes who play crucial roles in our schools,” said Finnell. “From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring schools are operating smoothly, classified employees are integral to public education.”
Five school employees were acclaimed by their respective districts throughout the county. Honorees were selected in the following categories: child nutrition, office and technical, maintenance and operations, transportation and “para educators” which translates to “for educators.” Martha Garcia, ICOE’s senior human resources director nominated Ray Castaneda, the credential/personal support technician.
He is responsible for all the paper work for new employees once they come on board. Garcia nominated him because he is very professional. Currently the department is streamlining the process and Castaneda draws on prior HR expertise to expedite work more efficiently.
“He’s willing to go the extra mile and assume responsibilities and involved with promoting ICOE’s values and dedicated to the employees,” said Garcia.
Castaneda remarked he was honored and surprised by the recognition. “HR does good things for the district and public, it’s a good balance of work and camaraderie,” he said. “It’s my job and in my nature to do it with my utmost ability.”
Jennifer Alavarez, HR director of the Brawley Union High School District noted they are very proud of their three nominees: Margarita Carpio, Jesse Pina and Rosalba Villasenor. “All are devoted employees with a heart for our students,” said Alavarez. “They make a positive impact on students in a caring and supportive way.”
Carpio a cafeteria food service employee (hot and cold entrees) remarked she knows many students by name. “I like the service aspect,” she said. “They’re all good kids. The atmosphere and the school is very good. I like my job, it’s interesting and everyday is a little different.”
Nominated by supervisors in the Central Union High School District maintenance staffer Henry Niediffer is involved in many aspects of school, noted Carol Moreno, CUHS human resources director. “He comes in with a smile on his face every day and is extremely friendly and hard working,” she said. “I can’t think of anybody more deserving.”
Not only is Jesse Pina a bus driver who maintains a spruced and well-running bus but coaches several athletic teams and can be counted on to perform music at staff parties and functions.
Offering extra tutoring to her students is classroom aide, Rosalba Villasenor.
She frequently works with English language learners as well as students in special education. Villasenor is continuing her own education and hopes to become a credentialed teacher soon.