News Release and information regarding the Classified School Employees of the Year Awardees for 2025.
Additional information can be found on the April 29, 2025, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year News Release #25-24.
Maria (Lisa) Lopez
Clerical and Administrative Services
School Community Advisor, 9 years of service
César Chávez Middle School, Oceanside
Oceanside Unified School District,
San Diego County
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.
Kurtland Lucas
Custodial and Maintenance Services
Head Custodian, 7 years of service
Crosby Elementary School, Garden Grove
Garden Grove Unified School District,
Orange County
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.
Melissa Erman
Food and Nutrition Services
Nutrition Operations Supervisor, 7 years of service
Huntington Beach Union High School District
Orange County
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.
Amrita Vu
Health and Student Services
Lead Therapist, 6 years or service
Los Gatos High School, Los Gatos
Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District,
Santa Clara County
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.
Gerardo Buenrostro
Paraprofessional Services
Paraeducator, 10 years of service
Barbara Worth Junior High School, Brawley
Brawley Elementary School District,
Imperial County
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.
Pamela Larsen
Security Services
School Security, 7 years of service
Jefferson Middle School,
San Gabriel
San Gabriel Unified School District,
Los Angeles County
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.
Gina Matz
Skilled Trades Services
Painter, 18 years of service
Fullerton School District, Orange County
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.
Bryan Cooper
Technical Services
Theater Production Specialist II, 10 years of service
Folsom High School, Folsom
Folsom Cordova Unified School District,
Sacramento County
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.
Jane Pina
Transportation Services
Special Education Bus Attendant, 12 years of service
Washington Unified School District Transportation Department, Yolo County
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.