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Classified School Employees of the Year
Six members named 2023 California Classified School Employees of the Year
Six members named 2023 California Classified School Employees of the Year
Six CSEA members were announced as California’s 2023 Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY), chosen from 151 nominations statewide. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored the winners in May at a ceremony in Sacramento.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California’s students so they can continue to learn,” said Thurmond. “These dedicated employees make sure kids have healthy meals, safe campuses and transportation, and systems and supports during difficult and unexpected changes—ensuring all students are supported in their lives and in their education.”
The annual CSEY program honors classified school employees in the following categories: Paraprofessional Services, Clerical and Administrative Services, Transportation Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Security Services, Health and Student Services, Technical Services, and Skilled Trades Services.
Here are this year’s CSEY winners:
Transportation Services:
Teresa Altom, Hart-Ransom Paradise Chapter 699
Teresa Altom, a member of Hart-Ransom Paradise Chapter 699, serves as Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation Secretary and takes pride in the strong connections she's forged with students. “I’m most proud of basically the relationships that I’ve built with the students at Hart-Ransom” said Altom. She goes above and beyond to ensure their safety by assisting during kindergarten assessments, compiling bus registration data, and providing color-coded wristbands for effortless bus identification.
Security Services:
John Cantrell, Ontario-Montclair Chapter 108
Lead Campus Safety Officer John Cantrell of Ontario-Montclair, Chapter 108, takes a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns. He creates a safe culture through his interpersonal skills and positive energy. “I do this job not for recognition,” said Cantrell. “I do it because of the love and the concern that I have with the next generation to come forward in humanity, to be able to squeeze whatever I have in me to make it better.”
Food and Nutrition Services:
Jaime Carranza, Garden Grove Chapter 121
Jaime Carranza, a dedicated member of Garden Grove Chapter 121 where he is a custodian and who also works in Anaheim UHSD, where he serves as the Senior Warehouseman for Food Services. He consistently goes beyond his duties, ensuring smooth deliveries and offering valuable assistance to colleagues. Carranza emphasizes the significance of providing meals to students, saying, "This award means a lot to me; you know, I give 100% without expecting anything."
Health and Student Services:
Amber Dimas, American River Chapter 528
As Health Assistant at Kinney High School of Folsom-Cordova and a member of American River Chapter 528, Amber Dimas is always ready to lend a hand – but especially in times of crisis, with calm responses. “We do a lot together, so we work as a good team,” said Dimas of her colleagues. She comes from a whole-child approach, supporting students with all their health needs.
Paraprofessional Services:
Carmen Parea-Tellez, Livermore Chapter 334
Instructional Assistant Carmen Parea-Tellez, a member of Livermore Chapter 334, at Livermore High School of Livermore Joint Unified is known throughout the community as a great connector and supporter for students, families, and faculty. “This is my dream job,” said Parea-Tellez. “My passion – to be around students.” She works full-time as a Bilingual Instructional Aide, serving as the school’s English Learner Coordinator.
Custodial and Maintenance Services:
Kerry Wedel, American River Chapter 528
As Head Custodian of Blanche Sprentz Elementary of Folsom Unified and a member of American River Chapter 528, Kerry Wedel is very observant and attuned to the needs of her school community. She has stayed positive and energetic even through a large tent replacing the cafeteria. “I love my school,” she said. “The staff there is wonderful, very supportive. Everyone has a wonderful attitude. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”
