SBCSS Honors Eight Classified School Employees of the Year

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools was proud to recognize eight recipients who were named the 2024 San Bernardino Countywide Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY). This year’s honorees were recognized during a June 12 event at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.   "This year's awardees embody what it means to be a servant leader as they support their colleagues and school communities daily,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is a privilege to acknowledge and celebrate how much their day-to-day work is truly transforming lives through education.”   This year's honorees each received a $250 check from the event's corporate sponsor, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.   State Superintendent Tony Thurmond selected Aries Lewis, Community Liaison with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, and Isaiah Joiner, School Security with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, as two of the nine 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year. This year’s recipients were chosen from more than 130 nominations statewide.   The 2024 San Bernardino Countywide Classified School Employees of the Year by category are:   ·     Clerical/Administrative Services – Aries Lewis has worked as a Community Liaison with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District for five years. She demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting students, investing time to get to know them and their families, understanding their needs, and connecting them to valuable resources. Her commitment to connecting students with appropriate resources and organizing community events contribute to the positive atmosphere at her school sites.   ·     Custodial/Maintenance Services – Ricky Alvarado has been part of the Rialto Unified School District Custodial and Maintenance Services team for 14 years. Through his meticulous attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and positive relationships with staff, Ricky has shown the impact of a dedicated custodian on the overall success of a school site. His incredible attention to detail helps create an inviting atmosphere that influences the surrounding teaching and learning environments.   ·     Food/Nutrition Services – Melissa Howard has served the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District as a Child Nutrition Worker II for the past nine years. Melissa works with a happy heart, greeting every child with a good morning, a delicious meal or snack, and a welcoming atmosphere. Her daily commitment to nurturing students’ education and nutritional needs helps foster a stronger, healthier school environment.   ·     Health/Student Services— Linda Amezcua, a Health Clerk at Poplar Elementary in the Fontana Unified School District, has served in her position for over seven years. On average, she sees 200 students a week, checking everything from bumps, bruises and broken bones to the medical needs of Moderate/ Severe students on campus. Her caring spirit enables her to compassionately treat the students who come to see her.   ·     Paraprofessional Services – Irma Luna Alvarez has served as a paraprofessional for six years with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. Irma goes the extra mile to support students’ academic success, assisting them with schoolwork and diligently monitoring their grades to ensure they receive the guidance and resources needed to excel. Her genuine concern for their progress fosters a culture of academic achievement and personal growth.   ·     Security Services – Isaiah Joiner has been part of the Security Services team for the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District for the past 10 years. He demonstrates an exemplary understanding of what it means to make students and staff feel safe and welcome at Mesa View Middle School. Over the past 10 years, Isaiah has built countless relationships with the education community, earning the respect and trust of students, families and staff.   ·     Skilled Trades Services – Chris Williford has been part of the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District for 20 years and serves an exemplary model of a great leader. Chris has consistently accomplished tasks within the painting department, efficiently managing responsibilities for more than a dozen sites and providing comprehensive care to every campus. His adept time management skills and understanding of prioritization are vital to his success.   Technical Services – Barbara McDonald has shaped students’ lives through the power of books for the past 15 years. As a Library/Media Technician with the Rialto Unified School District, Barbara prides herself on keeping an up-to-date, inclusive, diverse, and welcoming space for students of all ages. Through her work, she helps students develop a love for reading, a skill that will impact their lives for years to come