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AUHSD Employee of the Year
An outstanding partnership of students, parents, community members, and staff has made the Acalanes Union High School District a high-performing, nationally recognized school district. The dedication of our talented staff is a major factor in our collective efficacy. The AUHSD recognizes the contributions of our staff in a variety of ways, including a Classified Staff of the Year as well as an Educator of the Year award.
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Classified Staff:
Eligibility
- A classified employee in AUHSD
- Has been in the District at least three continuous years
Criteria
- Demonstrates outstanding commitment to their site or office
- Demonstrates initiative
- Maintains an interest in continuous improvement and participates in professional development
- Demonstrates effective communication
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2023-24: Stephanie Brady
Classified Employee of the Year: Stephanie Brady – College & Career Center Advisor at Miramonte High School
2023-24 Finalists:
Raquel Ramos – Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Las Lomas High School
Melissa Haldeman – Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Campolindo High School
Tina Gullberg – Attendance/Health Technician at Acalanes High School
Naomi Jacobs – Account Clerk at the District Office
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2022-23: Edgar Gonzalez
Photo (left to right): Rebecca Bearce (Service Center) and Edgar Gonzalez (AHS)
Edgar Gonzalez is the AUHSD Classified Employee of the Year. Edgar started working with the District in 2012 as a substitute custodian and was soon promoted to a full-time day custodian. Edgar is a valued member of our classified staff, and is instrumental in keeping the school running efficiently. He takes pride in his custodial duties and it shows. Edgar is always there with a smile and is happy to serve all staff, students and visitors. He is committed to learning new skills and improving himself personally and professionally. AUHSD is proud to honor Edgar Gonzalez as Classified Employee of the Year!
2022-23 site finalists:
Liana Holcomb-McCann - Wellness Intake Specialist, Campolindo High School
Antonio Saldaña - Custodian, Las Lomas High School
Jamie Rogers - Instructional Assistant Miramonte High School
Rebecca Bearce - Administrative Assistant, District/Del Valle/Service Center -
2021-22: Michael McEwen
Photo (left to right): Stephanie Landingin (MHS), Mick McEwen (LLHS), Margo Marcellini (AHS), Carmelita Fritz (Dist. Office)
Michael (“Mick”) McEwen is the AUHSD Classified Employee of the Year. Mick is a valued member of our school community - a fixture on the Las Lomas High School campus since 2003. Mick’s influence is felt across the district. As an SEIU president, he truly embodies the philosophy of “servant leader” - no person’s concern is too minor for Mick, and he constantly extends a helping hand or listening ear to people who need his support. As a site support tech, he is always helping teachers and staff with tech needs and making sure systems on the campus run smoothly. He is a golf coach, softball coach, and gives back so much of his time to brighten the lives of others in his school community. AUHSD is proud to honor Michael (“Mick”) McEwen as Classified Employee of the Year!2021-22 site finalists:
Margo Marcellini - Instructional Assistant , Acalanes High School
Stephanie Sliwinski, Attendance and Health Technician, Campolindo High School
Stephanie Landingin, Instructional Assistant Miramonte High School
Carmelita Fritz - Fiscal Analyst, District/Del Valle/Service Center -
2020-21: José Paniagua
José Paniagua works as the day custodian at Campolindo High School. José started working with the District in 2015 as a substitute custodian and was soon converted into a full time day custodian at Campolindo. José is omnipresent at Campo, serving all staff, students and visitors and keeping the campus in good order. He is highly responsive to the needs of others. His peers describe him as “caring, helpful and kind." He performs his work with a smile, and is instrumental in keeping the school running efficiently.
The other Classified Employee of the Year Site Finalists:
- Casey Sasner - Wellness Intake Specialist, Acalanes High School
- Arnolfo Cabaljog - Lead Night Custodian, Las Lomas High School
- Annie Lai - Attendance Technician, Miramonte High School
- Eric Dannewitz - Technology Assistant, District/Del Valle/Service Center
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2019-20: Stephanie Thompson
AUHSD Classified Employee of the Year Finalists
The Finalists represent each comprehensive school site with one from Del Valle/Service Center/District Office. The 2019-2020 Classified Employee of the Year Finalists are
John Fowley – Campus Supervisor at Miramonte High School
Russ Andrews – Attendance Technician at Las Lomas High School
Joan Batcheller – College and Career Advisor at Campolindo High School
Jen Wygal – Instructional Assistant at Acalanes High School
Stephanie Thompson – Administrative Assistant at the District Office
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2018-19: Tommy Rodriguez
AUHSD Classified Employee of the Year
The Finalists represent each comprehensive school site and one representing Del Valle/Service Center/District Office. The 2018-2019 Classified Employee of the Year Finalists are
Michelle Setterbo – School Finance Technician and Attendance/Health Assistant at Acalanes High School
Drew Luk – District Technician at Campolindo High School
Tom Pettry– Head Custodian at Las Lomas High School
Edmond Woo – Custodian at Miramonte High School
Tommy Rodriguez – Lead Maintenance Craftsperson at Service Center
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2017-18: Stephanie Landingin
AUHSD Classified Employee of the Year
The Finalists represent each comprehensive school site and one central representing Del Valle/Service Center/District Office. The 2017-2018 Classified Employee of the Year Finalists areLaura Stapp – Instructional Assistant at Miramonte High School
Beth Chastain – Registrar at Las Lomas High School
Benji Wadsworth – Custodian at Campolindo High School
Emily Finn – Registrar at Acalanes High School
Stephanie Landingin – Instructional Assistant at Del Valle Transitional Program
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2016-17: Patrick O’Toole
The other Classified Employee of the Year Site Finalists:
- Deanna Rauch - Registrar, Campolindo High School
- Michael "Mick" McEwen - Site Technician, Las Lomas High School
- Drue Kendall - Registrar, Miramonte High School
- Randy Kahrer - Technical Data Analyst, District/Del Valle
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2015-16: Rita Nozzolillo
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2014-15: Joyce Han
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2013-14: Nancy Armendarez
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2012-13: Carolyn Daughton
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2011-12: Jaylene Watson
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2010-11: Lyn Zusman
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Certificated Staff:
Eligibility
- A full time certificated educator who spends the majority of their time in direct instruction/contact with students
- Has been in the District at least five continuous years
- For a site finalist to be considered for AUHSD Educator of the year, they must be a returning teacher in the 2024-2025 school year.
Criteria
- Demonstrates depth of content knowledge
- Differentiates instruction to reach all students
- Uses innovative instruction to motivate, engage and encourage student learning
- Analyzes and reflects on achievement data to improve instruction
- Is committed to fellow educators as evidenced by their instructional leadership and willingness to serve as a formal or informal mentor
- Maintains an interest in continuous improvement and actively participates in professional development
- Demonstrates influence beyond the classroom
- Demonstrates effective communication with students, colleagues and parents
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2023-24 Katie Watson
Educator of the Year: Katie Watson - mathematics and science teacher at Miramonte High School
2023-24 Site Finalists
Jim Karas – Mathematics teacher at Las Lomas High School
Tom Schumann – Mathematics teacher at Campolindo High School
Ken Lorge – Mathematics teacher at Acalanes High School
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2022-23 Evan Sebree
photo (left to right): Steve Poling (MHS), Suzanne Morse (LLHS), Evan Sebree (ACIS) and Amy Bellomo (AHS)
Evan Sebree started working for the AUHSD in 2014. Over the years, he has served students with special needs in Learning Skills classes at Campolindo High School and also at Miramonte High School. In 2022, when an opportunity arose in the Counseling Enriched Class at ACIS, Evan jumped in to assist with these very special students, some of whom were not engaging in school due to social emotional issues and a lack of connection. Evan has consistently provided calm and steady support for students in this program. Through his leadership, students are demonstrating growth and moving toward earning a diploma. Each day, he fosters a caring and respectful atmosphere that enables students to feel safe, confident to return to school the next day, and successful. Evan works with general education staff and provides practical suggestions for positive interactions with students in his program. In addition, parents praise his abilities and talent for making life-altering differences in their children’s lives. The District is delighted to have Evan leading the Counseling Enriched Program at ACIS, and applaud him for this wonderful award.
2022-2023 site finalists:
- Amy Bellomo - Special Education teacher, Acalanes High School
- Suzanne Morse - Science teacher, Las Lomas High School
- David Blumberg - German teacher, Campolindo High School
- Steve Poling-English teacher, Miramonte High School
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2021-22: Sarah Frank
Photo (left to right): Sarah Frank (MHS), Roxanna Jackman (CHS), Mary Walfoort (LLHS), Tom McNamara (AHS)
Sarah Frank started working for AUHSD in 2015 as a Spanish teacher. Teaching Spanish is not just a job to Sarah - it is a passion. She believes strongly that students should develop a respect for not only Spanish as a language, but also as a culture. To see Sarah in action is to see a teacher light up the room with an enthusiasm that is simply infectious. Employing many different strategies, Sarah encourages students to speak, listen and practice Spanish constantly. She is a member of the guiding coalition leadership team at Miramonte, and cares deeply about the school’s commitment to equity work. Sarah Frank is well deserving of the honor for AUHSD Educator of the Year!
2021-22 site finalists:
Tom McNamara - Science teacher, Acalanes High School
Mary Walfoort - Librarian, Las Lomas High School
Roxanna Jackman - Science teacher, Campolindo High School -
2020-21: Kristen Plant
Kristen Plant, public speaking teacher and intervention TOSA at Miramonte High School, was honored as the 2020-2021 AUHSD Educator of the Year. Kristen is an inspiration to all, always looking to grow as an educator, leader and person. She oversees a nationally-recognized public speaking program, makes it accessible, and continually reinvents her approach. Her commitment to racial equity and work as an Equity TOSA have been impactful on school culture and inclusion. Her impact extends well beyond the walls of her classroom or the Miramonte campus. She is truly student-centered, listens to learn and understand from the experiences of others, shows gratitude and humility, and continually demonstrates her commitment to improve the student experience in her classroom, Miramonte, and the District. As one colleague put it: “Kristen is a joyful person; she finds ways to smile at the end of long meetings and tiring days, and she never shies away from sharing her special recipe of humor-- equal parts honesty, self-deprecation, kindness, and wisdom."
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2019-20: Marlene Miranda
AUHSD Educator of the Year Finalists
The finalists represent each comprehensive school site and are truly a group of inspirational educators. The 2019-2020 Educator of the Year Finalists are
Megan Flores – Spanish teacher at Miramonte High School
Marlene Miranda – Spanish, ELD and Leadership teacher at Las Lomas High school
Johnny Johnson – Instrumental Music teacher at Campolindo High School
Randy Takahashi – Math teacher and Athletic Director at Acalanes High School
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2018-19: Paul Verbanszky
AUHSD Educator of the Year
The Finalists represent each comprehensive school site and are truly an exceptional group of caring and dedicated educators. The 2018-2019 Educator of the Year Finalists are
Dan Appel – Mathematics and computer science teacher from Acalanes High School
Paul Verbanszky – Social studies teacher and District AGATE coordinator from Campolindo High School
Hanalee Washburn – Lead Counselor from Las Lomas High School
Pete Clausen – Special education teacher and chair from Miramonte High School
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2017-18: Katherine Walton
AUHSD Educator of the Year
The Finalists represent each comprehensive school site and are truly an exceptional group of caring and dedicated teachers. I know we would all feel so very privileged to have our own children in their classrooms. The 2017-2018 Educator of the Year Finalist are
Kelly Ginocchio – Social Studies teacher and instructional coach at Miramonte High School
Kimberlie Fisher – Social Studies and Leadership teacher at Las Lomas High School
Chris Walsh – PE teacher and Yoga guru at Campolindo High School
Katherine Walton – Special Education and Leadership teacher and instructional coach at Acalanes High School
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2016-17: China Harvey
The District Educator of the Year Finalists put forward by each comprehensive school site are:
- Lauren Allen – Psychology teacher at Acalanes High School
- Steve Boone – Automotive technology teacher at Campolindo High School & Las Lomas High School
- China Harvey – Social studies teacher at Las Lomas High School
- Steve Poling – English teacher at Miramonte High School
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2015-16: Cynthia Boyko
The District Educator of the Year Finalists are:
- Chris Clark – PE and sports medicine teacher at Acalanes High School
- Betty Watson – Science teacher at Campolindo High School
- Pat Blank – Wood technology teacher at Las Lomas High School
- Cindy Boyko – Computer science and math teacher at Miramonte High School
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2014-15: Paul Fitzgerald
The District Educator of the Year Finalists are:
- Jada Paniagua – Science teacher at Acalanes High School
- Anu Kuefner – Math and computer science teacher at Campolindo High School
- Karen Carlson – Leadership and math teacher at Las Lomas High School
- Paul Fitxgerald - Social science teacher at Miramonte High School
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2013-14: Jane Kelson
The District Educator of the Year Finalists are:
- Joe Schottland – Social studies teacher at Acalanes High School
- Jane Kelson - Science teacher at Campolindo High School
- Will Cautero – English teacher at Las Lomas High School
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2012-13: Nita Madra
Educator of the Year Finalists are
- Karin Kauzer – Special Education teacher at Acalanes High School
- Nita Madra, Science and mathematics teacher at Campolindo High School
- Marie Ciano – Science teacher at Las Lomas High School
- Dan Shortenhaus – Science teacher at Miramonte High School
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2011-12: Misha Buchel
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2010-11: Karen Findlay