State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today honored nine outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s public school students.

“Our classified employees are the ones who make sure that kids have healthy meals, who keep our campuses clean and safe, and who lend a sympathetic ear to students during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “It’s an incredible honor to spotlight these outstanding employees, and the significant impact they make on our students, schools, districts, and their communities. They make a huge difference, and our students will remember them for years to come. Congratulations on your hard work, dedication, and time supporting and investing in our students. These employees deserve this incredible honor, and I’m proud to celebrate them with this statewide recognition.”

The annual Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) program honors outstanding classified school employees in the following 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 135 nominations statewide. The 2025 award winners will be honored by Superintendent Thurmond at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 22, 2025.

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 2025 Classified School Employees of the Year are:

Clerical and Administrative Services: Maria (Lisa) Lopez, School Community Advisor, César Chávez Middle School, Oceanside Unified School District, San Diego County (nine years of service in current position)

Maria “Lisa” Lopez is a respectful, passionate advocate for Oceanside Unified School District families. She tries to see the request behind every complaint, truly looking for ways to improve systems in such a way as to benefit families. A brave leader, she does not shy away from challenging conversations, instead entering them with compassion and integrity. For the 2023–24 school year, Lopez partnered with the new César Chávez assistant principal to increase family engagement and trust on issues related to student support and discipline. They heard families voice concerns about the lack of communication on these topics and worked together to call every family when a student was in the office for any reason. Lopez provides consistent, high-quality support and service and whether she is speaking to families in front of supervisors or from her office out of earshot, she treats all of them with dignity, respect, and care.

Custodial and Maintenance Services: Kurtland Lucas, Head Custodian, Crosby Elementary, Garden Grove Unified School District, Orange County (seven years of service in current position)

Kurtland Lucas has worked for the Garden Grove Unified School District for 45 years, and seven of those years have been at Crosby Elementary. As head custodian, Lucas consistently goes above and beyond to ensure district facilities are maintained to the highest standards, creating a clean and welcoming environment for staff and students. He arrives at work an hour before his scheduled shift begins to ensure school facilities are ready for the day. His early start ensures that Crosby Elementary is spotless and everything is in place, allowing for a smooth start to the day for everyone. Lucas takes great pride in his work, particularly in maintaining the cafeteria floors to a pristine standard. His attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness ensure that the cafeteria remains an inviting, safe, and sanitary space for students and staff.

Food and Nutrition Services: Melissa Erman, Nutrition Operations Supervisor, Food and Nutrition Services Department, Huntington Beach Union High School District, Orange County (seven years of service in current position)

Since becoming the operations supervisor at Huntington Beach Union High School District, Melissa Erman has been adamant about participating and being involved with school nutrition associations to keep up with ever-changing trends, policies, and other operators whom she leans on for answers and support. Over the past few years, Erman has not only attended state and national conferences, but also has been involved in training sessions where she educated other nutrition services operators on some of the best practices at Huntington Beach Union High School District, allowing others to potentially use the shared knowledge to better their districts. She spends quality time with these operators, helping them learn their roles and making sure they fully understand what is expected and what to do.

Health and Student Services: Amrita Vu, Lead Therapist, Los Gatos High School, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District, Santa Clara County (six years of service in current position)

Amrita Vu exemplifies a profound commitment to enhancing the image of classified school employees both within the school and in the broader community. As lead therapist at Los Gatos High School, she has become a beacon of wellness, hope, and advocacy, showing how vital mental health and behavioral support staff are in shaping the success and well-being of students. Her leadership in developing the school’s Wellness Center and mental health program has not only provided much-needed support to students but has also transformed the perception of classified employees as integral members of the school community. Through her work, she has illustrated that classified staff members, such as therapists and behavioral health professionals, play a critical role in student success, providing services that go beyond the classroom.

Paraprofessional Services: Gerardo Buenrostro, Paraeducator, Barbara Worth Junior High School, Brawley Elementary School District, Imperial County (10 years of service in current position)

Gerardo Buenrostro consistently exemplifies excellence in his work performance as a paraeducator through his attention to detail, patience, and commitment to student success. In the classroom, his attention to detail in knowing his students and the content they are learning is remarkable. He takes a proactive approach to building relationships with the students he serves, making a concerted effort to understand their individual needs, strengths, and challenges. His background in assisting students with Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 plans is instrumental in assisting the general education teachers since he can see these students in different learning environments. This insight helps him better support teachers, whether it is by suggesting classroom accommodation, offering extra resources, or stepping in to help facilitate small group work during lessons. His well-rounded perspective and collaboration with teachers ensure that students receive the most effective support tailored to their needs.

Security Services: Pamela Larsen, School Security, Jefferson Middle School, San Gabriel Unified School District, Los Angeles County (seven years of service in current position)

Pamela Larsen exemplifies leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Jefferson Middle School. As the head of campus security, she ensures safety and trains and leads her team with compassion and professionalism, embodying the principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. She sets high expectations for those around her, always leading by example, patience, empathy, and a calm presence. Larsen’s leadership extends far beyond her role. She is deeply trusted by staff and students alike. She is always the first to respond when help is needed—whether assisting an injured student, de-escalating a situation, or simply offering encouragement. She does not command through authority but through connection, taking the time to understand students, supporting them, and guiding them toward better choices.

Skilled Trades Services: Gina Matz, Painter, Fullerton School District, Orange County (18 years of service in current position)

While visiting school sites as a painter, Gina Matz is very cautious and attentive to student safety as she navigates campuses. When arriving at each site, she informs the site office personnel of her presence and what her task at hand will be for the visit. It is important to Matz that she communicates to each site the purpose of her visit while making sure all concerns are appropriately addressed. Matz also brings a smile and positive attitude everywhere she goes. Students are excited to see her, and she serves as a role model for them. In an industry dominated by men, Matz will outwork, outhustle, and outlast all her colleagues, serving as an example to not only female students but all students. She exemplifies that traditional gender or body-size stereotypes of what it looks like to be a successful trades worker are being challenged in the Fullerton School District.

Technical Services: Bryan Cooper, Theater Production Specialist II, Folsom High School, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Sacramento County (10 years of service in current position)

Bryan Cooper consistently demonstrates excellence in school and community involvement through his dedicated support of theatre productions and technical needs across the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of all school-related performances and activities held in the theatre, including musicals, plays, concerts, parent nights, and events like the jazz festival. His commitment goes beyond his regular duties, as he is always present to ensure these events run smoothly and meet high standards. In addition to his support of school events, Cooper takes on the important responsibility of coordinating and assisting community groups that rent the theatre. He has fostered strong, lasting relationships with community members who return year after year, relying on Cooper’s expertise to ensure their events are professionally executed. His ability to build trust and create a welcoming environment has made him a key figure for these groups, who know that their events will be in capable hands with Cooper overseeing the technical aspects.

Transportation Services: Jane Pina, Special Education Bus Attendant, Washington Unified School District Transportation Department, Yolo County (12years of service in current position)

Jane Pina’s role as a bus attendant for special education students showcases her exceptional dedication to student safety, well-being, and success. She goes beyond her basic responsibilities, using her expertise in nonverbal communication and student-centered care to create a supportive and structured environment. Understanding that bus rides can be challenging for many students, Pina employs visual schedules, calming techniques, and reassuring gestures to ease transitions and reduce anxiety. She skillfully assists students with mobility needs, uses picture cues to communicate with nonverbal students, and applies de-escalation strategies when necessary. Her patience and attentiveness ensure that every child feels secure and valued.

National RISE Award

For their hard work and dedication to making sure our schools run smoothly, Maria (Lisa) Lopez and Kurtland Lucas have additionally been nominated to be recognized as Recognizing Inspiring Schools Award (RISE) recipients. 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 U.S. states to submit their top two exemplary classified employee nominations for the opportunity to be selected and recognized as the national honoree by the Secretary of Education.

Please visit the California Department of Education Classified School Employees of the Year web page for more information. The CSEY program is presented in partnership with the Classified School Employees Association. California’s Classified School Employee Week, established as an official week of statewide recognition in 1986 through Senate Bill 1552, will be celebrated from May 18–24, 2025.

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100