News Release and information regarding the Classified School Employees of the Year Awardees for 2026.
Additional information can be found on the April 27, 2026, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2026 California Classified School Employees of the Year News Release #26-24.
Angela Cruz
Clerical and Administrative Services
Library Media Technician, 5 years of service
Stuart Mesa School, Oceanside
Oceanside
Unified School District, San Diego County
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 read.
Albert Macias
Custodial and Maintenance Services
Custodial and Maintenance Services, 5 years of service
Millville Elementary School, Millville
Millville Elementary School District, Shasta County
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.
Jillian Bowerman
Food and Nutrition Services
Food Service Lead, 5 years of service
Fox Road Elementary School, Hughson
Hughson Unified School District, Stanislaus County
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.
Vanessa Bennett
Health and Student Services
Associated Student Body Clerk, 17 years of service
Foothill High School, Palo Cedro
Shasta Union High School District, Shasta County
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.
Raelene Velasquez
Paraprofessional Services
Paraeducator, 9 years of service in current position
Sunburst Youth Academy
Orange County
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.
Tracy Hardy
Security Services
Campus Safety Officer, 25 years of service in current position
Bret Harte Middle School, Hayward
Hayward Unified School District, Alameda County
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.
Pablo Lopez
Skilled Trades Services
Senior Heating and Air Conditioning Fitter, 9 years of service in current position
Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County
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.
Jorge Orellana
Technical Services
Technology Operations Specialist, 5 years of service in current position
Ross Valley School District, Marin County
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 is not 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.
Perrin Turney
Transportation Services
Bus Driver, 5 years of service in current position
Kneeland School District, Humboldt County
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.