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The Contra Costa County Office of Education celebrated more than two dozen employees in school districts throughout the county last week as part of its annual Classified School Employees of the Year program, including the San Ramon Valley Unified School District’s pick for the annual award.
Elaine Esguerra, child nutrition manager at California High School, was named the district’s pick for Classified Employee of the Year at a recent celebration of her and her fellow nominees at the district level, according to an announcement from SRVUSD on April 23 ahead of the countywide celebration on April 24.
“Elaine exemplifies dedication and has shown herself to be an ingenuity maker for the well-being of students at California High School and SRVUSD.” said California High School Principal Demetrius Ball in last week’s announcement from the district. Ball was the one to nominate Esguerra at the district level.
Esguerra boasts a total of 12 years of experience in child nutrition, including three years in her current position. District officials pointed to the number of school lunches served at Cal High tripling in recent years under her leadership, and to her role in accommodating the increase in services as well as a complete remodel to the school’s kitchen.
“Elaine Esguerra’s leadership and passion as our Child Nutrition Manager exemplify the spirit of excellence we strive for at San Ramon Valley Unified,” SRVUSD Superintendent John Malloy said in last week’s announcement. “Her commitment to providing nutritious meals and fostering a supportive environment so our students can thrive is commendable. She is an invaluable asset to our school district. We proudly celebrate Elaine as Classified Employee of the Year.”
Esguerra joined 25 other employees from across county school districts and from a wide array of positions including custodial, transportation, office, and technology departments at the CCOE celebration the following day.
“Congratulations to the Classified School Employees of the Year in Contra Costa County,” said Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County superintendent of schools. “These individuals are the heartbeat of our schools and districts, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure seamless operations and bolster student success. From maintaining facilities to providing essential services, classified staff are instrumental in nurturing safe, positive campus cultures where students feel they belong. It takes a team effort to run a school, and classified employees truly play pivotal roles on our campuses.”
Esguerra is not among the eight nominees proceeding to the statewide Classified Employee of the Year competition — four of whom are from Mount Diablo Unified School District. The other four are from John Swett Unified School District, the Lafayette School District, Walnut Creek School District, and the CCOE.