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The San Ramon Valley Unified School District has announced its picks for teachers and classified employees of the year, who are now set to advance to the county-wide competition.
Dima Khoury, a resource teacher at Neil Armstrong Elementary School, and Don Busboom, a social science teacher at San Ramon Valley High School, were named elementary and secondary teachers of the year respectively, with Kimber Monticelli, a secretary at Windemere Ranch Middle School, earning the title of classified employee of the year.
“Our teachers and classified staff are the foundation of our district’s success,” SRVUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack said in a Feb. 28 announcement. “We are proud to celebrate their dedication and hard work, which inspire our students and create an exceptional educational experience and culture in our schools.”
Khoury was credited for her dedication to engaging students via new strategies and tools, creative lesson plans, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized attention and teaching methods.
“Committed to supporting students with significant learning challenges, she works tirelessly to remove barriers to learning and advocates for their success,” district officials said on Feb. 28. “Her classroom is a place where students feel seen, heard, and cared for, and her impact extends beyond the classroom, touching the hearts of students, staff, and families alike.”
Officials emphasized Busboom’s “positivity and passion” both inside the classroom and outside as a coach and mentor, and the importance of those qualities at SRVHS during his nearly three decades with the school.
“His classroom is a place where students feel valued, respected, and challenged. Don’s interactive approach encourages discussion, debate, and deep analysis, ensuring students don’t just learn facts but develop the ability to question, analyze, and connect history to modern issues,” district officials said.
Monticelli was described as “a pillar of support for students, staff, and families” at Windemere Ranch, “ensuring the seamless operation of daily school functions.”
“From handling attendance and organizing substitute coverage to providing direct support for teachers and administrators, she executes every task with precision and care,” district officials said.
“Kimber continuously seeks ways to enhance the school environment. She builds strong connections between the school and families, playing a key role in maintaining a positive school culture. Through her unwavering commitment, Kimber helps foster a sense of unity among students, staff, and parents, reinforcing the school’s commitment to collaboration and inclusivity,” they added.
The announcement came at a sensitive time for many teachers and classified employees in the district, days after the Board of Education voted at their Feb. 25 meeting to approve the elimination or reduction of close to 200 full-time positions at the start of the next school year, and weeks before a March 15 deadline from the state to issue preliminary pink slips to those whose positions are being impacted.
Khoury, Busboom, and Monticelli are now set to move on to the county-wide teacher of the year and classified employee of the year competitions. Finalists are set to be announced by the Contra Costa County Office of Education in the coming months, with a reception scheduled for June 17 and a celebration for the winner scheduled for Sept. 18.
