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Classified School Employees of the Year

Eight CSEA members named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Eight CSEA members named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Eight CSEA members were honored by the California Department of Education as 2022 Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) at a banquet luncheon, held in May in Sacramento.

Hosted by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the honorees received the annual statewide award after winning locally with their respective districts and county offices of education.

Showcasing nine different professional classifications, the CSEY award represents the best of what classified employees do: work hard behind the scenes to keep public schools running.

“This has been an incredibly challenging time for our students and families, and I want to congratulate these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California’s students so they can continue to learn,” Thurmond stated in a May 5 press release. “These dedicated employees make sure kids have healthy meals, safe transportation on school buses and someone to talk to during difficult and unexpected changes — helping keep them safe and supported in their lives and in their education.”

Winners are selected by a committee that evaluates nominees using eligibility criteria and documentation, including work performance, school and community involvement, leadership, and letters of recommendation.

As part of California’s Classified School Employee Week, established by Senate Bill 1552 in 1986 as an official week of statewide recognition, CSEY recognizes the vital contributions of public education’s hardest-working employees.

“You do an amazing job as classified employees every day, but you’re never told enough how important you are,” Association President Matthew “Shane” Dishman said at the May 19 luncheon in Sacramento. “I want you all to know that you are loved and respected, and that this Classified School Employee Week is for you.”

This year, there were 123 statewide nominations. Finalists are exclusively selected by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In addition to this award, two CSEY winners have also been nominated for the 2023 RISE Awards, which recognizes exemplary classified employees on the national stage.