Sonoma County Office of Education Honors 40 Outstanding Classified Employees
Santa Rosa City Schools District Assessment Coordinator Lorie Banks, center, is joined by her SRCS team, who showed their support with a handmade sign.
The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) recognized 40 classified school employees who have demonstrated exceptional service to local students, schools, and districts during a reception held Wednesday, April 22, at the agency’s Santa Rosa headquarters.
“Classified employees wear many hats, whether it be overseeing a variety of facilities needs, troubleshooting technology issues for an entire district, or preparing hundreds of nutritious lunches for students,” said Jen Larson, assistant superintendent of SCOE’s Student Support Services & Accountability division, who emceed the event. “These are employees who help families access their child’s education in their native language and who foster strong bonds with our students through positive and supportive daily interactions.”
The Classified Employee of the Year event is part of a recognition program organized by SCOE that honors the vital contributions of classified staff. These employees support student learning, directly or indirectly, but do not need to hold a teaching credential to do their work. Classified employees include administrative support staff, janitorial employees, paraprofessionals, and technology support personnel.
Nominations for the recognition program are submitted by supervisors from Sonoma County’s school districts and sites, and are reviewed by a selection committee composed of labor representatives and classified employees. The committee then selects one finalist from each service category.
The number of nominees for 2025-26 was the most SCOE received since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was inspiring to see so many outstanding classified employees nominated for recognition,” said Dr. Amie Carter, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. “Each nomination highlighted classified staff’s deep commitment to public service and the well-being of our schools’ students, families, and staff.”
Wednesday’s event celebrated both nominees and finalists, and drew more than 150 guests who celebrated their family members or colleagues. Representatives from each finalist and nominee’s school shared powerful stories highlighting their dedication and impact.
“She actively participates in school events, supports community-building activities, and serves as a reliable and compassionate point of contact for families who may otherwise feel disconnected from the school system,” read the nomination for Paula Hernandez of Meadow View Elementary School. Hernandez was selected as the finalist in the Health and Student Services category.
Finalists in each of the seven categories recognized on Wednesday received a $100 gift card donated by Exchange Bank. They also moved forward to the state-level recognition program for classified employees, organized by the California Department of Education.
Keep reading to learn more about this year’s honorees:
CSEY 2026 Finalists
2026 CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR HONOREES
- Clerical and Administrative Services
- Custodial and Maintenance Services
- Food and Nutrition Services
- Health and Student Services
- Paraprofessional Services
- Security Services
- Skilled Trade Services
- Technical Services
- Transportation Services