Information regarding the Classified School Employees of the Year Awardees for 2010.
Darlene Hill
Child Nutrition Category
Child Nutrition Worker II, 17 years in current position
Lexington Elementary School, El Cajon
Cajon Valley Union School District, San Diego County
Darlene Hill is the lead nutrition worker at Lexington Elementary School in the Cajon Valley Union School District where she has worked for seventeen years. Each day, her cafeteria feeds breakfast and lunch to 300-400 students, 93 percent of whom participate in the federal free/reduced meals program. “Darlene approaches her job as a nutrition worker with enthusiasm and a love for the children of Lexington School,” writes Principal Sylvia Casas-Werkman. “She transforms the cafeteria-auditorium into an environment that is positive and warm for children and greets each child by their first name as they enter.”
Fred Avelar
Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities Category
Head Custodian, 17 years in cureent position
McKinleyville High School, McKinleyville
Northern Humboldt Union School District, Humboldt County
Fred Avelar is the Head Custodian at McKinleyville High School where he has worked for seventeen years. As a multi-talented maintenance professional, he has skills in welding, locksmithing, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. “Fred serves our staff and students first, and never fails to give a few words of encouragement to anyone in need,” writes Principal David Lonn. “He is an exceptional employee. His attention to detail and his expertise benefit both our school and our district. He participates in the school on many levels, including serving on the Safe School Committee and the School Site Council.”
Cindy Mangan
Office and Technical Category
School Secretary, 25 years in current position
Regency Park Elementary School, Sacramento
Twin Rivers Unified School District, Sacramento County
Cindy Mangan has been the school secretary at the Regency Park Elementary School for 5 years and a school secretary for more than 20 years. Selected as an original staff member of a new school, she established office procedures, created school information management systems, and communicated with parents, students, and the greater school community. “Cindy’s daily work, focus to detail, and commitment to relationships is greatly responsible for building our school’s positive culture,” states Principal Mike Reed. “Everyone knows they can count on Cindy to support them, follow through on her commitments, and meet any timelines required.”
Jerilyn Brinker
Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance Category
Instructional Assistant, 13 years in current position
Nevada City School of the Arts, Nevada City
Twin Ridges Elementary School District, Nevada County
Jerilyn Brinker has worked as an Instructional Assistant at the Nevada City School of the Arts for thirteen years, supervising students during instructional and non-instructional activities. “Jerilyn possesses all the qualities needed to be an excellent aide: she is kind, calm, always fair with children, and she cares deeply and passionately about her work with the students,” writes School Director Holly Pettitt. “She comes to school every day with such positive energy it is impossible to not feel good around her.”
Olga Arrieta
Support Services and Security Category
Community Liaison, 7 years in current position
A. J. Dorsa Elementary School, San Jose
Alum Rock Union Elementary School District, Santa Clara County
Olga Arrieta serves as a Community Liaison at Dorsa Elementary School where she has worked for seven years mentoring parents and supporting student learning. “Olga has proven to be the most committed employee, an essential team member, and outstanding leader,” writes Principal Norma Rodriguez. “Her commitment to support and empower all parents to work as a team with the school community to ensure high quality education for all students is lived with high energy and absolute determination for excellence in every task she undertakes.”
Phil Slater
Transportation Category
Vehicle and Equipment Mechanic, 32 years in current position
Education Center
Newport-Mesa Unified School District, Orange County
Phil Slater has been a mechanic in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Transportation Department since 1978. He maintains a fleet of 70 buses and 160 vans and trucks. “What really sets Phil apart is the manner in which he approaches issues,” writes Pete Meslin, District Director of Transportation. “He is thorough, thoughtful, dependable, and takes his responsibility for child safety very seriously. Phil is an integral part of a very successful team of mechanics.”