Classified employees play a vital role in supporting educators, maintaining a positive school environment, and providing services that directly impact students, families, and the community. These dedicated individuals often work behind the scenes to ensure student success, leaving a lasting impact on education.
This year, Modesto City Schools received nominations for 18 exceptional classified employees for the Employees Making a Difference program, a partnership between the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 7. The program has been recognizing outstanding classified employees for 18 years.
The nine categories of recognition include Clerical & Administrative Services, Custodial & Maintenance Services, Food & Nutrition Services, Health and Student Services, Paraprofessional Services, Security Services, Skilled Trade, Technical Services, and Transportation Services.
Nominees for the Employees Making a Difference Recognition include:
Darlene Bhan, Elihu Beard Elementary School, Instructional Paraprofessional, Special Education
Manuel Gonzalez, Burbank Elementary School, Head Custodian III
Eva Padilla, Catherine Everett Elementary School, Student Records Clerk K-6
Jennifer Docter-Eddy, Fairview Elementary School, Administrative Assistant I
Brenda Patton, Franklin Elementary School, Attendance Liaison
Vanessa Cuevas, William Garrison Elementary School, Instructional Paraprofessional, PK-12
Tamara Garrett, Alberta Martone Elementary School, Campus Assistant K-6
Alejandra Torres, Robertson Road Elementary School, Typist Clerk II Translator
Maria "Mercedes" Bisuelan, Shackelford Elementary School, Instructional Paraprofessional, Special Education
Kahong Ork, Roosevelt Junior High School, Instructional Paraprofessional, Special Education
Lyleng Ma, Grace M. Davis High School, Bilingual Cross-cultural Instructional Paraprofessional
Renee Beyronneau, James C. Enochs High School, Bookkeeper
Susi Reyes, Joseph A. Gregori High School, School Secretary
Pamela Ingalls, Modesto High School, Typist Clerk II
Paula Valbuena Leon, Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, District Translator & Interpreter Spanish
Alma Orozco, Information and Educational Technology Services, Application Specialist III
Jamie Wood, Information and Educational Technology Services, Lead Application Specialist
Esther Ayala, Student Support Services, Expanded Learning Programs, Expanded Learning Programs Instructional Paraprofessional
The four Modesto City Schools employees who advanced to county-level recognition are:
Manuel Gonzalez, Head Custodian III at Burbank Elementary School
Tamara Garrett, Campus Assistant at Alberta Martone Elementary School
Paula Valbuena Leon, District Translator & Interpreter Spanish
Pamela Ingalls, Typist Clerk II at Modesto High School (chosen by SCOE as the finalist for the statewide Classified Employee of the Year program)
Pamela Ingalls was selected to represent SCOE at the prestigious state-level competition, where she will compete for the title of Classified Employee of the Year in the Clerical & Administrative Services category with other outstanding support staff across California in May 2025.
“Our 2,000+ classified staff members are the heartbeat of Modesto City Schools. From supporting instruction to maintaining our schools and providing vital district services, their work is the backbone of our success,” said Daniel Nego, Classified Professional Development Coordinator. “Their dedication and commitment shape the future of our students, and together, we are building a brighter tomorrow.”