Quick look: Nine outstanding classified employees from Orange County school districts have been recognized for their dedication and service, with three earning additional honors from the California Department of Education.
This week marks Classified School Employee Week, which is a time to honor the vital roles played by school employees who work behind the scenes and on the front lines to support student success. Observed statewide during the third full week of May, this year’s celebration spans from May 18 through May 24.
To celebrate, the Orange County Department of Education is once again shining a spotlight on nine outstanding staff members who were named the 2025 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year. Representing diverse service areas across local districts, these individuals were selected from a competitive pool of district-level nominees for their dedication, leadership and positive impact on their school communities.
Three of this year’s honorees — Kurtland Lucas, Melissa Erman and Gina Matz — also earned statewide recognition in April through the California Classified School Employees of the Year program, which is administered by the state Department of Education. Lucas, who serves as head custodian at Crosby Elementary in the Garden Grove Unified School District, has additionally been nominated for the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.
“Classified employees are essential to the daily success of our schools, often working behind the scenes to ensure students have safe, supportive and enriching learning environments,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of all nine of this year’s honorees, and we’re especially honored that three have received additional recognition from the California Department of Education for their outstanding service to school communities.”
Here are this year’s county-level honorees, based on nominations submitted by their districts:
Heather Sherrill, administrative assistant I, Los Alamitos Unified School District
Heather Sherrill serves as the heart of Los Alamitos Unified’s Special Education and Mental Health department.
In her role as administrative assistant, she’s known for her calm professionalism, genuine compassion and dedication to students, families and staff.
Sherrill is often the first point of contact for parents navigating complex educational services. She de-escalates concerns with empathy and clarity, ensuring families feel heard, supported and connected to the right resources. Colleagues say her initiative, attention to detail and collaborative spirit keep the department running smoothly and contribute to high morale.
Beyond her core responsibilities, Sherrill supports districtwide efforts, from coordinating speech caseload data to facilitating meetings and events across all nine school sites. She leads with kindness, offering solutions when challenges arise and continuously seeking ways to improve processes for the benefit of students and staff.
“Heather is the person everyone turns to because we know she’ll have the answer or find it,” one colleague shared. “She’s not just reliable. She’s compassionate and thoughtful in everything she does.”
Her commitment extends into the community, where she participates in city and district events, builds connections with students in the adult transition program, and organizes thoughtful gestures that brighten staff gatherings and celebrations.
Sherrill exemplifies servant leadership in action. Her ability to balance professionalism with heart has made her a vital presence within the district and a steady source of support for everyone she serves.
Kurtland Lucas, head custodian, Crosby Elementary School, Garden Grove Unified School District
With 45 years of service to the Garden Grove Unified School District, including seven as head custodian at Crosby Elementary, Kurtland Lucas has earned a reputation for reliability, humility and deep commitment.
Known to most simply as “Mr. Kurt,” he’s described as the first person to arrive on campus each morning and the last to leave when a task needs completing.
Lucas begins his day at 5 a.m., long before his scheduled shift, to ensure classrooms, offices and common areas are clean, orderly and safe. He takes particular pride in maintaining the cafeteria floors to the highest standards and is known for responding to spills, supply requests and last-minute needs with speed and a smile.
Beyond his custodial duties, Lucas is deeply engaged with the school community. He volunteers each year to play Santa at the annual holiday breakfast and maintains close, caring relationships with Crosby’s students — particularly those in special education. Staff describe him as a steadying force with an intuitive sense for who needs help and when.
In two separate incidents, Lucas stepped up in extraordinary ways: performing the Heimlich maneuver to save a choking kindergartener and intervening in a domestic violence situation to protect a community member.
“Kurt is a cornerstone of our campus,” Principal Rangel wrote. “He creates a safe, welcoming place for students and staff, and he does it with grace, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.”
Melissa J. Erman, nutrition operations supervisor, Huntington Beach Union High School District
Melissa J. Erman plays a vital role in fueling student success across the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
As nutrition operations supervisor, she oversees daily meal service for more than 14,000 students, balancing complex logistics with a passion for quality, wellness and student care.
A 15-year veteran of school nutrition, Erman joined Huntington Beach Union seven years ago and is recognized for her high standards, proactive leadership and support for the department’s 60-plus staff members. She checks in regularly with kitchen managers, shares timely updates on state and federal policies, and ensures each team member has the tools they need to succeed.
Staff describe her as punctual, supportive and hands-on. She manages timelines, trainings and professional development, often mentoring new team leaders and recommending resources to strengthen their skills. Her guidance has helped the department navigate COVID-era challenges, implement the state’s Universal Free Meals initiative and scale up operations as participation soared by more than 200 percent.
“Melissa is always looking for new and creative ways to feed more students,” said John Chiu, food and nutrition services administrator for the district. “She’s led wellness initiatives, cultural food festivals, Saturday School meal service and fresh produce campaigns that introduced thousands of students to local fruits and vegetables. She’s even partnered with nonprofits to distribute full holiday meals to underserved families.”
At the end of each school year, Erman organizes a celebration for the entire department, often covering gifts and prizes out of her own pocket, to recognize the work of her team. Her tireless efforts and generosity have made her a cornerstone of the district’s success in feeding students and building community.
Candice Hall, district licensed vocational nurse, Anaheim Union High School District
With more than a decade of service as a licensed vocational nurse, Candice Hall is a trusted presence in the Anaheim Union High School District, known for her compassion, clinical expertise and commitment to student well-being.
Now in her 13th year with the district, Hall plays a central role in coordinating health services that support students’ academic and social success.
Hall supports students with complex medical needs, trains health staff, develops protocols and ensures equity in care across campuses. She is known for taking initiative, whether creating user-friendly immunization timelines, developing more than 80 standardized care plans or implementing districtwide onboarding for health office staff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped design and train staff on the district’s student contact tracing system.
Colleagues say her calm demeanor, deep knowledge and solution-focused mindset are essential to navigating challenges.
“Candice is amazing,” said one district RN. “She knows the ins and outs of almost any situation on campus. She always leads with compassion.”
Beyond her daily duties, Hall mentors colleagues, collaborates across departments and regularly contributes to systemwide improvements. She also engages with families to ensure access to care, even helping them find providers or translation services when needed.
Whether educating staff, guiding parents or comforting students, Candice Hall exemplifies leadership, empathy and excellence in school health services. Her impact extends far beyond the nurse’s office and into the lives of those she serves every day.
Yesenia Rosales, lead instructional assistant, College Park Elementary School, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
With 17 years of service in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, including the past eight in her current role, Yesenia Rosales is a trusted leader in the district’s Expanded Learning Programs, known for her compassionate presence, guidance and student-first approach.
According to district staff, Rosales helps create an inclusive and welcoming environment at College Park Elementary where students feel valued, supported and safe. As a lead instructional assistant, she plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations while mentoring team members, facilitating restorative practices and helping students navigate social-emotional challenges. Her calm, collaborative style supports both student growth and positive team dynamics.
Rosales is also credited with launching weekly enrichment clubs on campus, connecting 150 students with activities ranging from podcast production to dance and jewelry making. She frequently leads professional development for colleagues and goes above and beyond to create meaningful experiences, such as organizing year-end carnivals and mentoring students in mariachi music.
“Yesenia exemplifies servant leadership by creating environments where students feel safe, valued and supported,” said Christy Flores, director of engagement, partnership and expanded learning for Newport-Mesa Unified. “Her commitment to students, staff and families shines through in everything she does.”
By leading with empathy and purpose, Rosales consistently strengthens connections between students, staff and families.
Jose Lopez Ruvalcaba, school safety assistant, Westmont Elementary School, Anaheim Elementary School District
Jose Lopez Ruvalcaba, known affectionately as “Mr. Jose” on campus, plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment at Westmont Elementary School.
Now in his third year as a school safety assistant — and his seventh year with the district — Ruvalcaba is widely admired for his calm leadership, quick problem-solving and deep care for the students and families he serves.
Whether greeting parents at family events, resolving playground conflicts, or stepping in to support office staff or custodians, Ruvalcaba brings positivity and professionalism to every interaction. His knowledge of students and families is unmatched, and his proactive approach to safety ensures that protocols are not only followed, but continuously improved.
Staff say he leads with compassion and equity, often assisting wherever needed and treating all team members with respect. He promotes collaboration, shares thoughtful feedback in meetings, and advocates for families in need by connecting them to support services.
His most visible impact, however, may be through his work as a soccer coach. On the field, Ruvalcaba creates a spirit of belonging and teaches students teamwork, respect and sportsmanship, values that echo throughout the school day.
“Mr. Jose is the heart of our school,” Principal Denise Victoria wrote. “His presence fosters a genuine sense of community, where everyone feels valued and included.”
With his kindness, adaptability and commitment to service, Ruvalcaba has become a trusted and unifying presence at Westmont Elementary and a powerful example of leadership through care.
Gina Matz, painter, Fullerton School District
For 18 years, Gina Matz has brought precision, pride and professionalism to her role as a painter in the Fullerton School District.
Known for her strong work ethic and high standards, she consistently delivers high-quality results while earning the admiration of colleagues, staff and students.
In 2014, Matz was diagnosed with cancer and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the toll of treatment, she continued reporting to work, motivated by a deep sense of purpose and commitment. Her dedication held strong, even when encouraged to rest, and she remained a steady presence for her team and the school communities she serves.
Each summer, Matz leads beautification projects across the district, training seasonal crews that include employees from non-trades positions. She mentors fellow staff, shares her expertise generously and ensures that every site is left in better condition than she found it. Her attention to student safety and clear communication with school personnel are widely appreciated.
“Everyone knows Gina,” said Eddie Carbajal, the district’s maintenance and operations supervisor. “She’s small in stature but mighty in work ethic, know-how and capability. She sets a standard for quality that others look up to, and she never hesitates to go beyond what’s expected.”
In a field where women are underrepresented, Matz leads by example, according to Carbajal. Her presence, professionalism and determination continue to inspire those around her and elevate the spaces where students learn and grow.
Jill Brand, data systems technician, La Vista/La Sierra High Schools, Fullerton Joint Union High School District
With 29 years of dedicated service to the Fullerton Joint Union High School District — including the past 19 as a data systems technician — Jill Brand is a cornerstone of La Vista/La Sierra High Schools.
Known for her technical expertise, empathy and unwavering commitment to service, Brand is the person everyone turns to for answers, support and connection.
Brand manages complex data systems with precision, regularly supporting reports, proposals and special projects that are essential to school operations. She collaborates seamlessly across departments and campuses, helping students transition smoothly into and out of alternative programs. Whether gathering information or solving a technical issue, she does so with grace, warmth and zero intimidation.
Her contributions extend well beyond her role. Brand is beloved for organizing campus potlucks, leading fundraisers for students and families in need, and coordinating gestures of support for staff experiencing life’s highs and lows.
As one colleague shared, “She’s great at her job, always willing to help and makes our office feel like a community.”
Recognized four times as her school’s Classified Employee of the Year, Brand builds equity in access to tools and information while mentoring new staff and promoting a culture of trust and teamwork. Her legacy is visible not only in the smooth running of systems, but in the sense of belonging she creates on campus.
Michael Kimball, mechanic II, Fullerton School District
For more than three decades, Michael Kimball has been a quiet force behind the scenes, ensuring students in the Fullerton School District get to and from school safely.
With 31 years of service, the longtime mechanic — known as “Mike” — has built a reputation for reliability, compassion and exceptional technical skill, according to JD Mancha, the district’s director of transportation services.
Kimball maintains a diverse fleet of district vehicles, including school buses and specialized equipment. His team has consistently earned flawless inspections from the California Highway Patrol, reflecting his commitment to safety and detail.
Colleagues say his work ethic is just as remarkable as his skills. He’s known for stepping in on weekends or during breaks to handle urgent repairs, always without complaint. His calm, steady presence is a source of reassurance throughout the department.
“Mike is one of the most dedicated and selfless people I’ve ever worked with,” Mancha said. “Whether he’s fixing a gate on his day off or rescuing a bus on the side of a mountain, he never hesitates to help. His work ethic, humility and kindness truly set him apart.”
A Fullerton native, Kimball has supported school events, mentored new mechanics and built strong relationships with drivers. He’s known for treating everyone with respect and for always being the first to offer help — even to stray cats who’ve found a home in his care.