Gary Thomas, Ed.D. County Superintendent

Superintendent's Message

Classified Employees Of Year Worthy Of Honors

The San Bernardino County Board of Education honored this year's Classified Employees of the Year for the county at its meeting on April 4. The honorees represent the countless classified members who ensure our county students and staff have safe, clean and productive environments so that learning can take place at our schools. This year, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union sponsored the reception for the honorees and presented each individual with a $250 stipend, as well as a plaque, for their recognition.

Here are the 2011 Classified Employees of the Year for the county:

• John Banez, systems analyst, for Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. In the category of Office and Technical, John is known affectionately 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 his nomination.
• Lisa Carter, child-care manager, at Dona Merced Elementary School in the Central School District. In her position in childcare, 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. Lisa also is recognized for her ability to assist families. "Her work ethic is high and 'excellence' is her standard," wrote Linda James, director of Childcare for the district.
• Julie Dutchover, instructional aide, at Mesa View Middle School in Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. As the recipient in the category of Para-educator and Instructional Assistant, Julie 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 her. Teacher Carissa Pittensberger added, "She is committed to doing her best in all circumstances and continuing to work to become better for which she already excels."
• Carla Kleinjan, energy/resource conservation technician, in the Maintenance, Operations and Construction Department for Chino Valley Unified School District. Kleinjan was chosen as the recipient in the category of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities. For the past five 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 the district.
• Susana Ortiz, kitchen assistant, at Kaiser High School in the Fontana Unified School District. Selected in the category of Child Nutrition, Susana has worked as a kitchen assistant for the past seven years at Kaiser High School in Fontana. "She is an excellent employee. Her upbeat and friendly personality give students a warm, cheerful welcome during lunch time at Kaiser High School. Susana is absolutely committed to her position and responsibilities as a kitchen assistant," wrote Mark Chavez, assistant director of Child Nutrition for the district.

This year's Classified Employees of the Year advance to the state level, where they will compete for even more recognition. We salute the work they do on behalf of the 417,000 students who attend K-12 public schools in our county.