SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today recognized nine outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s students and school communities.
“I’m honored to celebrate the exemplary work and tireless efforts of our classified employees, who play key roles in the lives of our students by building positive relationships, fostering safe and healthy learning environments, and promoting academic achievement,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “These awardees exemplify the profound commitment that their classified colleagues bring to work every day, shaping the success and well-being of their students and their entire school communities. I couldn’t be more grateful for the compassion and integrity shown by these incredible school employees, and I’m proud to uplift their contributions with this statewide recognition.”
The annual Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) program honors outstanding classified school employees in the following occupational categories: Clerical and Administrative Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Health and Student Services, Paraprofessional Services, Security Services, Skilled Trades Services, Technical Services, and Transportation Services. This year’s recipients were chosen from 141 nominations statewide. The 2026 award winners will be honored by Superintendent Thurmond at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 20 during California Classified School Employees Week.
A selection committee evaluates the applications using eligibility criteria and performance documentation in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support from colleagues who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work, enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and the school, and any other areas the school deems exceptional and pertinent to the CSEY Award. Finalists are approved by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction or the State Superintendent’s designee.
The 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year are:
Clerical and Administrative Services: Angela Cruz, Library Media Technician, Stuart Mesa School, Oceanside Unified School District, San Diego County (five years of service)
As the Library Media Technician at Stuart Mesa School, Angela Cruz ensures that every student on campus has meaningful access to books and literacy activities that match their interests and abilities to build both strong literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading. Through close collaboration with teachers and thoughtful lesson adaptations, Angela ensures that every student, including those with specialized educational needs, can fully participate in library learning. Each morning, she volunteers at the front gate, greeting students at their cars with a smile and warm welcome that helps them transition into their day. Located on Camp Pendleton, Stuart Mesa serves students whose parents are active or retired military, and Angela’s caring and kindness supports students through the unique challenges that face military families. Angela has also transformed the library collection to meet the needs of today’s readers, raising the average publication date from 1996 to 2014, with 47% of the collection now published in 2020 or later.
Custodial and Maintenance Services: Albert Macias, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Millville Elementary School, Millville Elementary School District, Shasta County (five years of service)
From the first day of his employment at Millville School, Albert Macias has shown himself to be truly irreplaceable. Albert is a one-person maintenance department for the one-school Millville Elementary School District. Albert’s work ethic is incomparable. Arriving at 5:30 a.m., Albert inspects the three-acre school site daily, ensuring all facilities are ready for the school day and opening classrooms, offices, bathrooms, and the kitchen. The school is used for community events such as tournaments, little league, concerts, dinners, and more, which Albert supports by setting up, cleaning up, and assisting throughout. Hardworking, self-motivated, and a committed member of the school community, there are no limits to what Albert is willing to do to ensure Millville Elementary is a safe and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and parents.
Food and Nutrition Services: Jillian Bowerman, Food Service Lead, Fox Road Elementary School, Hughson Unified School District, Stanislaus County (five years of service)
Jillian Bowerman, the Food Service Lead in the Fox Road Elementary cafeteria, approaches her role with genuine motivation and interest. Jillian’s high level of skills and knowledge shine through via her meticulous training, through which she not only teaches staff the strict and complex meal requirements for healthy eating but also emphasizes great customer service. She consistently looks outside the box to support others, from handling last-minute field trip lunches to securing volunteers to cook 700 meals for the community Dog Days BBQ. Jillian actively promotes collaboration, coordinating her team like a “dance” to efficiently feed students in a short time. Because Fox Road Elementary and Ross Middle School share the same cafeteria, Jillian also thoughtfully plans and cooks for two different student age groups while working seamlessly with the populations that support them.
Health and Student Services: Vanessa Bennett, Associated Student Body Clerk, Foothill High School, Shasta Union High School District, Shasta County (17 years of service)
Foothill High School Associate Student Body (ASB) Clerk Vanessa Bennett’s thorough understanding of ASB accounting procedures, compliance requirements, and district policies ensures that every financial transaction is processed correctly, efficiently, and with exceptional care. Vanessa works collaboratively with staff, students, parents, booster groups, volunteers, and community partners to facilitate school events, fundraisers, athletic competitions, student initiatives, clubs, and special events. Whether it is coordinating logistics for a large athletic event, supporting a student-led fundraiser, or ensuring club accounts are handled properly, Vanessa approaches each task with professionalism. Vanessa understands that ASB is not just about accounting—it is about creating meaningful opportunities for students to be engaged, connected, and supported, which reinforces that classified employees are trusted professionals whose work directly impacts students.
Paraprofessional Services: Raelene Velasquez, Paraeducator, Sunburst Youth Academy, Orange County (nine years of service in current position)
In her classroom at Sunburst Youth Academy, Paraeducator Raelene Velasquez models consistency, fairness, and care as well as ensuring that instruction runs smoothly each day. She not only supports her teacher but helps him expand his knowledge of technology, instructional tools, and new classroom practices. Whether she is facilitating restorative conversations, providing tutoring, or leading a full-class discussion, Raelene brings patience, clarity, and respect to every interaction. Her colleagues—teachers, administrators, and National Guard partners alike—highlight how Raelene elevates the entire community through her reliability, initiative, and positive energy. Raelene envisioned two of Sunburst’s most beloved traditions—the Haunted Hallway and Spring Carnival—that carry joy, creativity, and a sense of normalcy that students, (also called cadets) deeply deserve. Her presence consistently lifts morale, builds connection, and demonstrates what it means to serve students with both heart and excellence.
Security Services: Tracy Hardy, Campus Safety Officer, Bret Harte Middle School, Hayward Unified School District, Alameda County (25 years of service in current position)
Tracy Hardy demonstrates excellence commitment to student safety, relationship-building, and restorative practices at Bret Harte Middle School. When students become upset or engage in misconduct, Tracy responds calmly and respectfully, using restorative conversations to help them reflect on their actions, understand the impact of their behavior, and make better choices moving forward. This approach, centered in fairness, dignity, and compassion, reduces repeat incidents and strengthens students’ social–emotional skills. Through her restorative approach to discipline, her ability to de-escalate conflict, and her consistent presence at school events, Tracy highlights how campus safety professionals directly support students’ social–emotional growth and well-being—not just physical safety. Tracy’s relationships with students and families further reinforce this impact. Through her visibility, advocacy, and exemplary service, Tracy strengthens community understanding of the vital role classified employees play in creating safe, supportive, and thriving school environments.
Skilled Trades Services: Pablo Lopez, Senior Heating and Air Conditioning Fitter, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County (nine years of service in current position)
A Senior Hearing and Air Conditioning Fitter, Pablo Lopez has been an integral part of Los Angeles Unified School District’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team, especially during recent wildfires, when he took the lead on organizing and routing the crew to ensure every school had HVAC filters and replacements. Pablo is always ready to respond to emergencies, no matter the time of day, and consistently demonstrates calm, steady leadership when things get hectic for Los Angeles Unified’s critical infrastructure. He’s also worked closely with Engineering to replace vandalized auditorium units and coordinated temporary systems to keep schools operational in the meantime. Pablo’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for students and staff ensures that learning facilities are not only functional but also conducive to academic success and well-being.
Technical Services: Jorge Orellana, Technology Operations Specialist, Ross Valley School District, Marin County (five years of service in current position)
As a key member of the Ross Valley School District Technology Department serving five schools, Jorge Orellana is the first line of support for classroom technology and ensures that teachers can deliver instruction without disruption. In addition to his technology role, Jorge’s generous support with language translation and his natural warmth have made him an irreplaceable bridge between the district and Spanish-speaking families and staff. For many in the community, Jorge isn’t just the Information Technology (IT) guy; he is a trusted face, a welcoming presence, and proof that the district sees them, values them, and is working for them. Jorge supports and uplifts Ross Valley Spanish-speaking families by attending every Back-to-School Night to support technology and informational meetings and provide interpretation so that families feel welcomed and informed and connect to schools. His presence removes barriers to participation and helps families engage more fully in their children’s education.
Transportation Services: Perrin Turney, Bus Driver, Kneeland School District, Humboldt County (five years of service in current position)
Kneeland School District alum Perrin Turney wears many hats in the one-school district, none as important as bus driver. Because the district spans nearly 145 square miles in rural, mountainous areas, safe busing is key to student accessibility and school attendance. Transportation challenges include fallen trees, black ice, hurricane-force winds, and fog so thick that visibility decreases to mere yards on a dangerously winding road. Perrin never hesitates to prioritize safety over all else when transporting students and consistently collaborates with families and school administration to find convenient and safe bus stops along the route that best accommodate families. A dependable presence on campus, Perrin also fills in wherever needed, coordinating IT, water compliance, and math and science classroom support. Perrin also initiated a “Maker’s Space” to teach students hands-on skills that follow current trends of technology and progress, including 3D printing.
National Recognizing Inspiring Schools Award (RISE) Award
For her dedication to creating community and belonging at school, Raelene Velasquez has also been nominated to be recognized as a RISE recipient. The RISE Award is a national honor given each year to classified school employees who are doing extraordinary and inspirational things in their schools and communities to promote quality education, foster safe and positive learning environments, and ensure student success. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education solicits all states to submit their top exemplary classified employee nominations for the opportunity to be selected and recognized as the national honoree by the Secretary of Education.
The CSEY program is presented in partnership with the California School Employees Association. Please visit the California Department of Education CSEY web page for more information. California’s Classified School Employee Week, established as an official week of statewide recognition in 1986 through Senate Bill 1552, will be celebrated May 17–23, 2026.