NUSD’s Board of Trustees honored and awarded plaques Feb. 8 to “Classified Employee of the Year” James Valles and four departmental winners: Luis Chavez, Maintenance, Operations and Facilities; Teri Ortega, Office and Technical; Brittany Ross, Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance; and Rene Trujillo, Support Services and Security.
Nominated by their peers, the Classified Employees of the Year represent NUSD’s Core Beliefs that, “Staff must be committed, collaborative, caring and exemplary.”
Assistant Supt. Angela Herrera and Talitha Blizzeard, president of Natomas’ Classified School Employees Association (CSEA), collaborated in introducing winners to the Board. Here’s how Herrera described each honoree:
1) Luis Chavez is Classified Employee of the Year of Maintenance, Operations and Facilities. Mr. Chavez is the Custodial Team Leader at H. Allen Hight Elementary School who has worked for the district since 1998. Mr. Chavez is described as extremely hard working, a high level performer, and a role model to other team members. His smile extends to the Hight students on a daily basis and he is a role model to our youth with his positive attitude and work ethic. Mr. Chavez is a “jack of all trades” who is always available to help anyone, especially the kids. Congratulations and thank you Mr. Chavez.
2) Teri Ortega is the Classified Employee of the Year of Office and Technical. Ms. Ortega is an Office Specialist at our Education Center who has worked for the district since 2013. Ms. Ortega is the first person that people meet when they come to the Education Center. Ms. Ortega consistently has a great attitude and makes every effort to make people feel welcome. She treats everyone with kindness and respect and is very knowledgeable of all of the departments and ensures that she directs visitors appropriately. Ms. Ortega is always willing to assist when co-workers are working on special projects and she conscientiously trains Education Center on front desk protocols. Congratulations and thank you Ms. Ortega.
3) Brittany Ross is Classified Employee of the Year of Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance. Ms. Ross is an Instructional Assistant at Bannon Creek School who has worked for the district since 2015. Ms. Ross is described as an employee who exhibits kindness, patience, and professionalism who volunteers for Bannon Creek’s first cheerleading squad. Ms. Ross also commits to the school’s after school program to support students with homework help and enrichment activities. Congratulations and thank you Ms. Ross.
4) Rene Trujillo is Classified Employee of the Year of Support Services and Security. Mr. Trujillo is a Campus Safety Specialist at Natomas High School who has worked for the district since 2009. Mr. Trujillo is described as being dedicated to both the students and staff at Natomas High, always putting his best foot forward and willing to do his best for the betterment of Natomas High School. He goes above and beyond with mentoring students who are at-risk, young soccer athletes. He can always be counted on to step up and provide his support and assistance where it is needed. Congratulations Mr. Trujillo.
5) I am extremely proud to introduce James Valles as our District Classified Employee of the Year. Mr. Valles is a Food Services Assistant in Nutrition Services who has worked for the district since 2014. Mr. Valles has helped spearhead scratch cooking in the Nutrition Services Department, which has helped the District serve over 9,000 meals a day. He also has been active in creating menus, training co-workers, mentoring Culinary Arts students, and organizing a variety of special nutrition events. Mr. Valles takes great pride in cooking for students, particularly when he can get them excited about different kinds of fruits and vegetables. Congratulations and thank you Mr. Valles.
Congratulations again to all of our Classified Employees of the Year!
List of images is empty. Select images.
