Quick look: Nine outstanding school employees from throughout the county have been named the 2026 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year. Representing nine distinct service categories, the honorees will be celebrated during Classified School Employee Week and are eligible for state and national recognition.
Each school day in Orange County begins with the quiet work of classified school employees — buses roll out before sunrise, classrooms are cleaned and powered, meals are prepared, health plans are reviewed and front offices begin answering calls.
Often working behind the scenes, these professionals ensure campuses are safe, welcoming and fully operational long before the first bell begins.
On Friday, March 6, the Orange County Department of Education announced that nine outstanding staff members have been selected as the 2026 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year. Chosen from a competitive pool of district nominees, the honorees represent a wide range of service areas — from transportation and skilled trades to health services and technology — but share a common commitment to students and the community.
“Every day, classified staff do the essential, often unseen work that makes learning possible: They clean, drive, feed, care for and support students and families,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “Their compassion and professionalism set the tone for safe, welcoming schools across Orange County. We celebrate these nine honorees for the difference they make in students’ lives and for the quiet leadership they show in their communities.”
Established in 2008 by the California Department of Education, the Classified School Employees of the Year program honors outstanding classified staff who support California’s more than six million public school students.
The nine Orange County honorees will be formally celebrated during Classified School Employee Week, observed May 17 through May 23. County awardees are also eligible for state recognition and potential advancement to the federal Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award program.
Here are this year’s county-level honorees, based on nominations submitted by their districts:
Ngoc Minh Nguyen, accounting technician I, North Orange County Regional Occupational Program
In the category of Clerical and Administrative Services, Ngoc Minh Nguyen plays a critical role behind the scenes at North Orange County ROP, overseeing more than $10 million annually in accounts payable and expenditures.
Her precision and deep knowledge of purchasing regulations and audit standards have helped maintain clean audits since 2020, according to her colleagues, while strengthening internal controls across departments. Yet Nguyen’s work is not limited to numbers and compliance. When teachers encounter purchasing challenges, she steps in personally — sometimes meeting staff off-site — to ensure classroom needs are met quickly and accurately.
Nguyen has also expanded districtwide understanding of fiscal systems by developing a comprehensive purchasing manual and leading ongoing trainings for administrators and classified staff. During staffing shortages, she has voluntarily assumed additional responsibilities to prevent delays that could impact students.
“Through her efforts, data sharing became more accurate, efficient and reliable, strengthening collaboration across departments,” one teammate shared.
Guillermo “Memo” Gutierrez, custodian, McPherson Magnet School, Orange Unified School District
For Guillermo “Memo” Gutierrez, custodial work is about far more than cleaning classrooms. It is about creating an environment where students feel proud to learn. Representing Custodial and Maintenance Services, he has spent the past decade ensuring McPherson Magnet School is safe, welcoming and ready each morning.
Gutierrez approaches each classroom with care and attention to detail, understanding that a well-maintained campus directly affects student comfort and teacher focus. Whether responding to last-minute needs or preparing for evening events, he is known campus wide for his personal mantra: “No problems, only solutions.”
His presence extends beyond facilities. Gutierrez assists in the car pickup line, emcees fundraisers and participates in talent shows, building authentic relationships with students and families. Many children seek him out simply to talk or share about their day.
“Everyone loves Mr. Memo because he is so kind and takes time to talk with kids, parents, teachers and staff,” a colleague shared. “He truly cares and always participates in school activities.”
Fidel Jacobo Ayala, lead food service worker, Hope View Elementary School, Ocean View School District
At Hope View Elementary, Fidel Jacobo Ayala leads Food and Nutrition Services with consistency, organization and heart. As the sole food service worker at his site, he manages every aspect of daily meal service while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
Since joining Ocean View School District in 2016 and earning promotion to lead in 2024, Ayala has strengthened kitchen systems and streamlined procedures to improve workflow and timeliness. When informed of a field trip the morning it occurred, he quickly assembled portable meals without interrupting regular service.
More importantly, Ayala prioritizes relationships. He greets students by name, asks about their day and adjusts serving schedules to better support special education classrooms. His calm demeanor makes the cafeteria feel welcoming and predictable.
A site administrator noted, “He consistently supports our students, demonstrating genuine care and compassion in everything he does.”
Outside of school, Ayala volunteers in his church and assists individuals with disabilities, extending his commitment to service beyond campus.
Donna Irumundomon, licensed vocational nurse, Connections at Mann Elementary School, Orange County Department of Education
For more than two decades, Donna Irumundomon has provided specialized medical care within OCDE’s Connections program, which serves students with significant disabilities.
As this year’s honoree in Health and Student Services, she works in medically fragile classrooms where children rely on ventilators, oxygen support and individualized health plans.
Colleagues say her clinical expertise and meticulous documentation ensure students receive safe, consistent care each day. In urgent situations, staff describe her as composed and decisive, translating complex medical information into practical guidance for classroom teams.
Donna also strengthens systems across campus by supporting trauma-informed practices, mentoring staff and reinforcing emergency preparedness procedures. Families trust her deeply, often crediting her presence with giving them the confidence to send their child to school.
“Donna is the calm in every storm,” one teacher shared. “When something happens, she is already there, prepared, focused and reassuring.”
Raelene Velasquez, paraeducator, Sunburst Youth Academy, Orange County Department of Education
At Sunburst Youth Academy, Raelene Velasquez exemplifies the strength of Paraprofessional Services through structure, compassion and creativity. She holds cadets accountable while building relationships grounded in dignity and respect.
Velasquez frequently steps into high-pressure situations, facilitating restorative conversations that help students refocus and reengage. She also advocates for students with individualized education programs, ensuring accommodations are implemented consistently.
Her influence extends into campus culture. She created beloved traditions such as the Haunted Hallway and Spring Carnival, providing cadets with moments of connection and joy within a structured setting. She also trains staff on instructional platforms and leads extracurricular clubs that expand learning opportunities.
Cadets once created a cadence in her honor, proudly chanting, “We follow the rules and we listen to Ms. Velasquez.”
Deborah Guevara, student supervision assistant, Parkview Elementary School, Garden Grove Unified School District
With 28 years of service, Deborah Guevara represents Security Services with vigilance and warmth. She greets families each morning at Parkview Elementary, helping ensure students begin their day feeling safe and supported.
Her attentiveness often prevents concerns from escalating. In one instance, she coordinated with administration and city officials to remove hazardous debris from a walkway students use, resolving the issue quickly.
Guevara mentors new employees and supports team morale with encouragement and thoughtful gestures. Colleagues describe her as observant and deeply compassionate, someone who notices subtle changes in student behavior and responds swiftly.
She is often referred to as “our number one cheerleader,” a reflection of how her positivity strengthens both campus safety and school culture.
Paul Dalmas, electrician, Garden Grove Unified School District
In Skilled Trade Services, Paul Dalmas ensures that classrooms remain powered, safe and functional across Garden Grove Unified School District. A journeyman electrician with more than 25 years of experience, he minimizes disruptions by completing many repairs before the school day begins.
When a campus experienced a power outage, Dalmas worked through lunch to inspect infrastructure and restore essential services. Colleagues said his swift response protected both safety and instructional time.
Within the maintenance team, he mentors colleagues and builds collaboration across trades. His punctuality and professionalism create stability in a fast-paced work environment.
An administrator described Paul as combining “the seasoned skill of a master tradesman with the heart of a public servant,” reflecting the dual commitment he brings to technical excellence and community service.
Jagath Jayaratne, computer technician II, Fullerton School District
As the honoree in Technical Services, Jagath Jayaratne supports 21 school sites and numerous district departments across Fullerton School District. With nearly two decades of service, he oversees complex in-house repairs and long-term technology planning.
Jayaratne manages spare-part inventory, forecasts equipment needs and guides sustainable technology decisions. Administrators frequently seek his insight when evaluating new systems.
Beyond technical expertise, he is known for patience and mentorship. New technicians shadow him to learn both device repair and calm customer service practices.
“He is incredibly patient with everyone and always makes even stressful situations manageable,” a colleague shared.
His steady presence strengthens districtwide operations, ensuring that classrooms remain connected, functional and ready for learning each day.
Jose Bueno, bus driver, Fountain Valley School District
For more than 11 years, Jose Bueno has exemplified excellence in Transportation Services, maintaining a collision-free and citation-free record while safely transporting students each day.
He refers to his bus as a “classroom on wheels,” establishing expectations for respect and safety. Parents frequently request him by name, praising his calm demeanor and communication.
Bueno mentors new drivers and supports field trips, sharing knowledge gained over a decade of service. His professionalism extends to every detail, from maintaining a clean bus to representing the district with pride.
One parent shared that Jose “helps ease anxiety and creates a positive start and end to the school day.”