|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Family members, friends, colleagues and school officials came together to celebrate the San Ramon Valley school district’s Classified Employees of the Year during an evening ceremony Tuesday in Danville.
The district recognized 46 classified workers, with one recipient from each campus and district department, in positions such as office manager, paraeducator, delivery driver, custodian and computer system assistant.
The evening’s top honor, district-wide Classified Employee of the Year, was awarded to Patricia “Pat” Carlson, the lead receptionist at the district office on Old Orchard Drive in Danville. She’s known by many as the “face” of the district because she’s the first employee many people come in contact with, SRVUSD officials said.
“Pat’s skill and longtime commitment as our district office receptionist has had an indelibly positive and far-reaching effect on the many staff, parents and community members of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District,” superintendent Rick Schmitt said in a statement.
“Pat strives for excellence in her daily work by treating those with whom she comes into contact with the utmost patience, attention and dignity,” Schmitt added.
Carlson has worked as the district office receptionist since January 2006, after a brief stint as a child nutrition assistant in the district.
“As the district office receptionist, Carlson’s daily customers include classified and certificated staff, substitutes, aspiring employees, vendors, parents and community members who approach Carlson seeking guidance, assistance and a listening ear,” district officials said.
Carlson received her award during the school board meeting held Tuesday evening at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville — a venue larger than the board’s normal meeting room was needed because of the high turnout for the ceremony.
She was chosen from among nearly four-dozen Classified Employees of the Year singled out at each SRVUSD school or department. Many of the recipients were on hand for Tuesday’s ceremony.
The program aims to recognize the efforts of outstanding classified employees and their positive contributions to students, district officials said.
The final award criteria included whether the employee has made significant contributions to their school/community or department; adopts the attributes of rigor, relevance and relationships in their work; and strives for excellence in their daily work and promotes a healthy work/learning environment, officials said.
Carlson is set to be honored at a reception next month sponsored by the Contra Costa County Office of Education for district-wide Classified School Employees of the Year from across the county.
-
This year’s individual Classified Employees of the Year, honored from each school and department in the district. (Photo courtesy of SRVUSD) -
An emotional Carlson is handed her award from Keith Rogenski, SRVUSD assistant superintendent of human resources. (Photo courtesy of SRVUSD) -
Patricia “Pat” Carlson, receptionist at the district office in Danville, speaks to the audience after receiving the SRVUSD Classified Employee of the Year award Tuesday night at Diablo Vista Middle School. (Photo courtesy of SRVUSD)
Appeal over redevelopment project at old Chevron HQ coming to San Ramon councilApril 6, 2026 10:32 pm
Congratulations to Pat Carlson. Here is to another “Director of First Impressions”.
Keep up the excellent work Pat.
Pat is an amazing woman! Every time I walked in she greeted me or anyone else who happened to go by, with the most sincere smile. She is always very helpful because she gets all the necessary details before deciding whom to contact if she cannot answer a question. Congratulations, well deserved Pat!