2022 MOY Michelle Nealeigh’s path to management began with CSEA

by David Ngô

When you are a well-recognized union leader in your school district, rising to upper management almost seems like a natural progression.

Just ask 2022 CSEA Member of the Year Michelle Nealeigh, who was recently promoted to transportation manager. She has worked for the Hemet Unified School District in Riverside County for 16 years, previously serving as chapter president of Hemet Chapter 104.

Before Nealeigh began her new role as transportation manager, she advocated heavily to make more training available for bus drivers, showing her bosses how her creativity and leadership could benefit the district in a management role.

“One big idea that I was able to implement in the transportation department actually began years ago when I was chapter president,” said Nealeigh, a jacketed steward who also served on several CSEA state committees.

“My first VP, Samantha Zavilla, worked in transportation and saw the need for drivers to have additional training to better understand student behavior and how they, as drivers, could interact with students to de-escalate certain behaviors. The feedback from the drivers who have attended so far has been incredibly positive and they are asking for more training like this one.”

For Nealeigh, she says CSEA helped her pave a pathway to a promotion. By being part of her chapter’s negotiating committee and building rapport with members and staff, her time with CSEA has undoubtedly benefited her professionally.

“I was given many opportunities to attend CSEA trainings such as Officer Skills Training, the Chapter President Leadership Program, Leadership Institute, Steward (Levels 1-4) Training, Bargaining Academy and the Organizing Institute, to name a few," said Nealeigh.

Despite leaving CSEA after 15 years, Nealeigh still holds her classified colleagues near and dear to her heart. Now in her new job, she continues to advocate for CSEA members by leaning on her union roots, giving the classified employees of Hemet Unified a familiar face in the transportation department.

"I would say that I continue to advocate for the CSEA members by knowing the CBA. I led negotiations for four years and know the contract inside-out,” said Nealeigh. “I ensure that my department follows the CBA and we collaborate with CSEA as needed, at least once a month, so that we are all working together to improve systems and processes.”

Throughout her time with CSEA, Nealeigh consistently pushed her district to pursue enrichment opportunities for classified employees.

As one of five 2022 Members of the Year honored last summer, Nealeigh is a prime example of how CSEA is helping members develop professionally during their time with the union.

“Michelle doesn’t have a motto but if she did it would be service above self,” said Sara Garcia of Hemet Chapter 104, who works as a student welfare and attendance specialist. “She has worked diligently during her time with CSEA to ensure all members and classifications are represented equally.”