SBCSS News and Press Releases

County Classified Employees Of Year To Be Honored On April 4

2011-03-18

SAN BERNARDINO - Five San Bernardino County school workers have been named 2011 Classified School Employees of the Year and will be recognized by the County Board of Education at its meeting on April 4, County Superintendent Gary Thomas announced today.

"These honorees are representative of the countless classified members who ensure our students and staff have safe, clean and productive environments where learning can take place daily. I am pleased that their outstanding work is being recognized," Thomas said.

The employees were nominated by their school districts and selected by a judging panel for the statewide program, which was initiated in 2008. The county winners advance to a California Classified Employees of the Year competition. The state recipients will be announced later in April.

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is a corporate sponsor for the event.

The county Classified School Employees of the Year, their positions and the schools and/or districts they represent are:

• John Banez, system analyst, for Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
• Lisa Carter, child care manager, at Dona Merced Elementary School in the Central School District;
• Julie Dutchover, instructional aide, for Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
• Carla Kleinjan, energy/resource conservation technician, in the Maintenance, Operations and Construction Department for Chino Valley Unified School District;
• Susana Ortiz, kitchen assistant, at Kaiser High School in the Fontana Unified School District.

In the category of Office and Technical, Banez is known affectionally as "the amazing tech man." He is the sole systems analyst for the district and has been for more than 15 years. His strong work ethic and problem-solving abilities are well respected. "John takes initiative to help end-users with a variety of technological issues and leaves them feeling empowered and satisfied that their issues have been understood and resolved," wrote Melissa Moore, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, in Banez's nomination.

In her position in child care, Carter was selected in the category of Support Services and Security. "Although Lisa's position is not a management position, the assistants, parents, teachers and administrators see her as a leader because of her strong skills," wrote Barbara Mikolasko, assistant superintendent of Human Resources for Central. Carter also is recognized for her ability to assist families. "Lisa's work ethic is high and 'excellence' is her standard," wrote Linda James, director of Child Care.

For Dutchover, the recipient in the category of Para-educator and Instructional Assistant, she is credited for her diligence at Mesa View Middle School. "On top of everything else, Mrs. Dutchover is a committed leader - someone who cares that things are done successfully and someone who will step in to make it happen," wrote Principal Jim Stolze in his support of Dutchover. Teacher Carissa Pittensberger added, "She is committed to doing her best in all circumstances and continuing to work to become better at which she already excels."

Kleinjan was chosen as the recipient in the category of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities. For the past 5 years, she has helped reduce costs through energy efficiencies with savings to the district of $1.9 million. "The savings realized from these programs and practices has a direct and positive impact on the district's general fund, thereby freeing up money which can be directed to the classrooms." wrote Greg Stachura, interim director of Maintenance, Operations and Construction for Chino Valley Unified.

Selected in the category of Child Nutrition, Ortiz has worked as a kitchen assistant for the past seven years at Kaiser High School in Fontana. "Susan is an excellent employee. Her upbeat and friendly personality give students a warm, cheerful welcoming during lunch time at Kaiser High School. Susan is absolutely committed to her position and responsibilities as a kitchen assistant," wrote Mark Chavez, assistant director of Child Nutrition for the district.