It’s officially Classified School Employee Week, a time for school districts throughout the county to celebrate the vital contributions of, well, classified school employees. And OCDE is shining a special spotlight on nine individuals who earned a little extra distinction this year.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term “classified,” we’re talking about custodians, instructional assistants, office clerks, technicians, bus drivers, IT professionals, accountants and all other non-certificated staff who make sure schools run efficiently and effectively. As we’ve mentioned before, they’re often the first to greet students and visitors when they arrive, and they make sure campuses are safe, secure and equipped for learning.
To honor their work, California has designated the third full week in May as Classified School Employee Week. This year it spans May 19 through May 25.
Back in March, OCDE announced that nine local staff members had been named the 2024 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year. Picked from a pool of 82 district-level honorees, these individuals were singled out for their work performance, leadership, dedication and involvement with their schools and communities.
Before we share their profiles, we should note that one local honoree has been further recognized as a 2024 California Classified School Employee of the Year. That accolade goes to Concepcion “Connie” Flores, who has dedicated 23 years of service to the Garden Grove Unified School District as a cook and baker.
California’s Classified School Employees of the Year program was established in 2008 by the state Department of Education to highlight the essential contributions of non-certificated staff to the education of California’s six million public school students. In Orange County, OCDE encourages local school districts to participate by submitting nominations in line with the state’s guidelines and timelines.
“Classified employees truly are the unsung heroes of our education system, providing critical services that are the backbone of our school operations,” OCDE Deputy Superintendent Ramon Miramontes said. “The contributions of this year’s recipients are nothing short of extraordinary. Not only do they ensure that everything runs smoothly and effectively, but they also bring personal care, compassion and positive interactions into their daily tasks, greatly enriching our learning environments. Their authentic commitment to serving our students, schools and communities truly makes a profound difference.”
Here’s a little more about the 2024 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year, based on their nominations:
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Mary McCulloch, school office coordinator, McAuliffe Middle School, Los Alamitos Unified School District
Mary McCulloch has served for the past five years as the school office coordinator at McAuliffe Middle School, where she’s earned a reputation as the backbone of its staff.
Her journey at McAuliffe began as a part-time ASB clerk, but based on her work ethic, knowledge and creativity, she was promoted to oversee the daily operations of the main office. In this role, McCulloch manages a broad array of responsibilities for more than 100 certificated and classified staff members.
At any given moment, she might be rearranging substitute teacher schedules, processing ASB purchase requests, assisting students with locker issues, broadcasting instructions over the radio for event setups, calculating payroll for instructional aides, handling parent inquiries on the phone or addressing any other needs that arise from the administrative team.
McCulloch handles tasks with precision, efficiency and a positive demeanor that makes challenges seem effortless. A common phrase on campus is “Just ask Mary,” because she’s often the only person needed.
“I cannot count how often I’ve come to Mary with a request or problem, and she
has already handled the situation.” Principal Eddie Courtemarche said.
Meanwhile, she’s a central figure at nearly every PTA event, collaborating closely with parents and teachers to enrich student experiences. She played a key role in organizing a kickoff fundraiser that netted $60,000 to support campus life. Whether coordinating carnivals, dances, year-end celebrations or staff events, her attention to detail ensures success.
Honored in the category of Clerical and Administrative Services, McCulloch embodies the qualities of a servant leader. She is known for extending a helping hand to colleagues in crisis, comforting students in distress and providing honest advice to parents. Her capacity to build meaningful relationships and her commitment to the school community make her an invaluable asset.
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Robin Dunning, campus supervisor, Dwyer Middle School, Huntington Beach City School District
Robin Dunning, affectionately known as Miss Robin by students, is an indispensable member of the Dwyer Middle School community. Initially hired as a noon supervisor six years ago, her role has evolved significantly based on her deep commitment and her expertise in school safety, including a background in criminal justice. She’s been recognized in the Security Services category.
Dunning often extends her working hours because she spots something that needs to be done or can be improved on campus. Her proactive approach is further underscored by her participation in nearly every professional development opportunity available, including online school safety courses that she pursues on her own time.
Dunning’s ability to forge strong connections is one of her most admirable traits. Students respect her for her fairness and consistency with rules, but they also confide in her about their struggles with friendships and other personal issues. Her approachability and wisdom are similarly valued by the staff, who often seek her guidance.
“Robin embodies the very essence of kindness and cheerfulness, illuminating our campus with a contagious positivity,” the school’s PTSA president said.
Meanwhile, her creativity and problem-solving skills are highly valued — and proved essential when the administration needed a new lunchtime bell schedule for 700 students. Dunning proposed an effective plan that is still in use today.
Her presence in the cafeteria before school each morning ensures that students eat breakfast, behave and start their day on a positive note. Embodying the very essence of kindness and compassion, Miss Robin has skills that would translate into many fields, but she does this job because she loves kids and her school.
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Hung “Hank” Nguyen, Electronics technician, Maintenance and Operations, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Hung “Hank” Nguyen, who was recognized in the Skilled Trade Services category, is an electronics technician who exemplifies excellence in his field. With more than seven years of service in his position, he is renowned for his expertise in maintaining low-voltage systems, including alarms, clocks and surveillance cameras.
His proficiency was built on a solid foundation gained in the private sector, where he honed his customer service skills along with his technical know-how. Always prepared for the unexpected, he addresses challenges head-on with utmost professionalism. Coworkers say Nguyen’s contributions are invaluable. At the same time, he often credits others.
“Hank is so devoted to the district and is always ready and eager to help wherever help is needed,” said Lance Bidnick, an administrative director of Maintenance and Operations. “He is reliable, dependable and thorough in ensuring students can continue their education in a safe and secure environment.”
Among his many notable contributions, Nguyen coordinated the installation of surveillance cameras at multiple school campuses. He worked with site administrators to determine the best locations for the cameras, then assembled and coordinated a crew of maintenance personnel to complete the task. He also ensured principals had the tools and training they needed to feel comfortable using the new system.
Nguyen, who attended NMUSD schools, provides comprehensive training to school staff on the use of equipment to avoid accidentally setting off alarms during a fire drill. And when alarm calls come in at 2 a.m., he meets the fire department to quickly resolve the issue. Known for his exceptional customer service, Nguyen is a cornerstone of his district, deeply committed to enhancing educational outcomes through safety and security.
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Concepcion “Connie” Flores, cook/baker, Garden Grove High School, Garden Grove Unified School District
Concepcion “Connie” Flores, a cook and baker, pours her heart and soul into every meal she makes at Garden Grove High School. She is representing the Food and Nutrition Services category.
Celebrating her 23rd year in her role, Flores’ love for cooking began at the age of 7 in her hometown in Mexico. She is a cherished presence on campus, as she is deeply valued by students, staff and colleagues alike.
“Connie manages the tremendous pressure and responsibility associated with being a cook/baker by showing patience, kindness and respect to all those around her,” Agnes Lally, Garden Grove Unified School District’s director of food services, said. “When things go awry, Connie faces the problem in a very calm manner.”
Flores’ commitment to community extends beyond the high school campus. She actively participates in her local church, offering support to parishioners in accessing nearby resources for aid. Additionally, as an experienced cook, she donates her time preparing meals to help nourish families coping with loss or personal hardships.
Back inside the school kitchen, Flores is frequently called upon to train new team members, including school workers, who value her expertise and years of experience.
“Connie beams with delight to teach the students the ins and outs of working in a kitchen, offering them work ethic advice, the importance of being reliable, and how to become a dependable employee,” said Lally.
On May 1, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recognized Flores as one of the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year.
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Rachell Chasteler, health office aide, Linda Vista Magnet Elementary, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
Rachell Chasteler, or “Ms. Becky” as students often refer to her, embodies a deep commitment to building connections at Linda Vista Magnet Elementary. As a health office aide representing the Health and Student Services category, she has dedicated seven years to prioritizing the well-being of students and staff.
Chasteler isn’t just about bandaging up scrapes and bruises; she’s like a master detective, spotting those less obvious needs and forming bonds with students, families and staff. Additionally, she ensures teachers and staff are informed about students’ health needs and maintains open communication with parents.
For parents like one whose daughter has type 1 diabetes, Chasteler’s dedication brings invaluable peace of mind.
“Rachell underwent the training necessary to care for her,” the parent said. “It is a blessing to have someone so loving and caring taking care of your children.”
Chasteler’s commitment extends beyond her office, where she invests time forging connections with students and addressing their comfort and well-being. She even tackles personal hardships some families face, ensuring students have clean clothes and hygiene kits.
“Rachell made sure there was a washer and dryer here at school,” Principal Shannon Wyatt said. “She washes and dries their clothes and has them back in them in no time. She even has a few students who bring their weekly clothes to her in their backpack, and she returns them the same day.”
Chasteler knows that for students to truly feel connected at school, it’s essential to tackle barriers like health conditions, mental wellness and personal challenges rooted in socioeconomic factors. She and her colleagues are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to address these barriers head on.
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Carol Moore, library media technician, Pioneer Middle School, Tustin Unified School District
With every page turned and program initiated, Carol Moore, who has served 27 years with Pioneer Middle School as a library media technician, is a pillar in her community. She is representing the Technical Services category.
Moore has turned the campus library into a welcoming hub for learning and imagination, focusing on enhancing students’ literacy skills. Attuned to the needs of her community, Moore goes above and beyond in ensuring that the library is not just a repository of books but a dynamic place for engagement.
“Her vision has redefined the librarian role, positioning her as a curator of experiences and a guardian of intellectual enrichment,” Principal Brett D’Errico said. “Under her guidance, the library is not merely a space in which books are stored; it is a vibrant space where learning is dynamic and an ever-evolving adventure.”
As a longtime librarian, Moore is attuned to her community. During observances such as National Bullying Awareness Month or National Hispanic Heritage Month, she creates themed book selections to complement cultures and celebrations. Through her work, Moore collaborates with staff and students to coordinate book fairs, reading challenges and author visits.
“Carol’s impact extends beyond the confines of the library catalog,” said Principal D’Errico. “Her outreach initiatives have strengthened community bonds, making the library a dynamic center for education, cultural enrichment and social engagement.”
After nearly three decades of service, Moore continues to be seen as a visionary in the district, constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the library’s offerings and engage patrons on a deeper level. Her forward-thinking mindset has transformed the traditional concept of a library into a dynamic space that caters to the diverse needs and interests of the school community.
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Taia Thompson, behavior support assistant, Cambridge Elementary School, Orange Unified School District
As a behavior support assistant in the Orange Unified School District, Taia Thompson strives to enhance students’ growth with patience and compassion.
Through her work at Cambridge Elementary School, she supports students with special needs across five special day classes and creates behavior intervention plans to help them improve any challenging behaviors they may exhibit in the classroom. Thompson is representing the Paraprofessional Services category.
To further promote a sense of calm among her students and help them regulate their behavior, Thompson proposed and created a sensory room on campus, fully stocked with resources to meet students’ needs.
On a daily basis, students can visit the sensory room, where they sit in spinning chairs to ease their senses, arrange the words displayed on the feelings wall to express themselves, or de-escalate their emotions with the crash pad or slamming ropes. By providing visual aids, positive reinforcements and sensory activities, administrators and teachers at Cambridge have witnessed student behavior improve day by day.
In the nine years that Thompson has served Orange Unified, she has built a reputation for going above and beyond to ensure students have a safe environment on campus. Whether arriving earlier than needed to help students make it to class or training other paraprofessionals and teachers using evidence-based strategies, she transforms the academic experience for each young learner.
“Taia has a collaborative mindset and takes pride in the relationships she builds with students, families and other staff members,” said Dana Gunnarsson, an education specialist in the Capistrano Unified School District. “She is the kind of person you can count on to step up if needed and will always follow through.”
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Allen Ortiz, head custodian, Star View Elementary School, Ocean View School District
Teachers, administrators and staff at Star View Elementary School arrive each morning to find their offices and classrooms looking practically spotless, thanks to the tireless efforts of Allen Ortiz.
As head custodian, Ortiz manages facility maintenance by overseeing large projects and assisting with smaller repairs around campus. Whether fixing a plumbing issue or building a new bookcase for the librarian, Ortiz helps foster a kind and giving environment at Star View.
Ortiz, who is being recognized in the Custodial and Maintenance Services category, has served the Ocean View School District for over 18 years. Prior to joining the Star View Elementary staff, he worked as a night custodian at Ocean View’s Harbor View and Sun View elementary schools.
Due to his extensive experience in the district, Ortiz has forged relationships that greatly benefit the campus community. He often leverages his connections at other school sites to secure necessary equipment for the campus, such as providing extra classroom keys for staff or adding lunch tables to accommodate more students.
During lunchtime and between classes, staff often hear students call out for “Mr. Allen” when they need help opening their lunch boxes or assisting with personal items. With a service-oriented approach, Ortiz consistently makes himself available to help.
When he isn’t handling maintenance repairs to ensure the school runs smoothly, Ortiz plays a key part in school events. With a cheerful, can-do attitude, he helps run the music during the Star View flag ceremony each morning and volunteers to help the parent-teacher organization decorate for the students’ winter performance.
With every project, Ortiz has transformed the school campus into a clean and safe environment for teachers and students to thrive.
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Julia Canas, school bus driver, Transportation, Ocean View School District
Transporting our most precious cargo to and from school is no easy feat, but bus driver Julia Canas’s dedication to the safety and wellbeing of every student has earned her admiration throughout the Ocean View School District and recognition in the Transportation Services category.
With 20 years as an Ocean View bus driver under her seatbelt, Canas has navigated kindergarten to eighth-grade students on their home-to-school routes, field trips, sporting events and after-school activities.
On any given school day, Canas can be seen wearing a big smile as she welcomes students with special needs onto her bus. She demonstrates safe and defensive driving skills while en route to College View, Golden View and Star View elementary schools along with Vista View Middle School. Her commitment to caring for students has earned Canas an accident-free driving record for her entire career.
The bonds she has created extend beyond the school bus, as students often greet “Miss Julia” with big hugs when they spot her at district-wide events like the Ocean View School District Special Olympics.
When the district implemented its bus pass system, Canas helped lead the team that organized and produced new passes before training the drivers. Every year, she aids the Transportation Department during middle school registration by preparing other drivers’ schedules and visiting each school site to answer parents’ questions in both English and Spanish.
With a reputation for having perfect attendance, consistently showing up on time to pick up students and keeping her bus clean, Canas serves as an example for driving and serving young learners at the highest standard.
Vicky Nguyen and Madeline Gray contributed to this story.