Congratulations to MDUSD's 8 District Classified Employees of the Year!

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce the District's eight Classified Employees of the Year, including two who were also selected as County Classified Employees of the Year from among the District finalists. The District Classified Employees of the Year are: Jose (Jun) Cancio, Custodial and Maintenance Services; Teresa Cross, Transportation Services; Anita Fontana, Security Services; Gyongyi Iraheta, Food & Nutrition Services; Virginia (Ginny) Monge, Paraprofessional; Nicole Nakasato, Clerical and Administrative Services; Tara O'Keefe, Technical Services; and Ai Dong (Kitty) Peng, Health and Student Services. The MDUSD Governing Board will recognize the employees at its May 14th meeting. Nakasato and Cross were also recognized as Contra Costa County Classified Employees of the Year on April 23rd. 

Cancio, who is now the Elementary Head Custodian at Shadelands Preschool/Sunrise Elementary School, was nominated for the award by Bancroft Elementary teachers Anna Davis and Jennifer Winbery earlier this year, when he was a custodian at their school. He has worked in custodial and maintenance services for 26 years. "His efficiency and problem-solving abilities have positively impacted the overall workflow of the school, ensuring that operations run smoothly and effectively," according to his nomination. "Jose has made remarkable contributions both within the school and in the wider community." The teachers said Cancio participates in school events, volunteer programs and outreach events "ensuring that the school remains a well-integrated and supportive institution for both students and parents." He also leads by example and is a "cornerstone of the school community." 

Cross, a School Bus Driver, was nominated by Transportation Director Cris Lepe, who praised her "dedication, skill and unwavering commitment to our school community" during her two decades of service. She drives a 40-foot bus and serves the Bay Point community driving school routes, and also drives for field trips. "Her ability to foresee and prevent potential issues, particularly with field trip scheduling, has proven invaluable," Lepe said. "Teresa's sharp eye for logistics and her understanding of our operational needs help preempt potential problems, allowing the field trips for the transportation department to run smoothly." Lepe concluded that Cross "brings consistency, skill and quiet strength to our department as a model of professionalism" with a strong work ethic and "deep care for her students and colleagues." 

Fontana, a Campus Supervisor II at Pine Hollow MS, was nominated by Principal Andrew Strawbridge. "As a dedicated campus supervisor with 31 years of exeptional service, Anita exemplifies the highest standards of prefessionalism, care, and commitment to our school community," Strawbridge said in his nomination. "Anita's firm yet fair approach to campus supervision sets her apart as a leader and role model." Strawbridge added that Fontana builds positive and respectful relationships with students and staff, and mentors other campus supervisors. "Her dedication, leadership, and kindness make her an indispensable part of the Pine Hollow family." 

Iraheta, who is a lead Food Service Worker 1 at Woodside Elementary, was nominated by Food Service Area Supervisor Tom Egan for her 15 years of service. "Woodside Elementary kitchen successfully serves approximately 96 to 98 percent of the enrolled students at Woodside breakfast and lunch daily," Egan said in his nomination. "This is absolutely unheard of in our business. She does this by interacting with the students, attending afterschool functions with the parents and letting them know about our Food Service program, while promoting our department and the food she proudly serves." Egan added that she comes up with new ideas for recipes and operations, mentors new hires, is highly motivated and "is a strong communicator and collaborator who fosters positive relationships with colleagues, staff, parents and of course, the students."

Monge has been a Special Education Assistant (SEA) in an autism class at Silverwood Elementary for more than five years. "She has advocated for her students like no other aide I have ever seen," said teacher Liz Tang, who was one of several Silverwood staff members who nominated Monge. "She stays late, comes early, and even skips lunch to make sure there are enough appropriate things for her students to be doing." Tang added that Monge has provided lesson plans and curriculum for substitutes. "She just knows what needs to be done and is doing everything she can to help her class succeed." 

Nakasato, who is the District's Student Enrollment Coordinator, was nominated by Student Services Directors Marji Calbeck and Felicia Stuckey-Smith. Nakasato has worked in the District for eight years, is a "visionary leader and a systems thinker with a skillset to be highly effective in multiple capacities," her directors said. She is passionate about education, has strong organizational and interpersonal skills and "was the brain trust behind the creation of our current Centralized Enrollment Center." She created the centralized TK and Kindergarten enrollment process and the virtual processes for transfer and "choice" lotteries. She provides professional development to other district staff members, works closely with the IT, Human Resources and Fiscal Departments, and "provides a welcoming environment to all of our families as the Enrollment Center is the first point of contact for families coming to MDUSD."

O'Keefe is a Network/Systems Administrator, who has worked in this field for 16 years. "Tara's proactive approach to her role ensures not only the resolution of immediate issues, but also the implementation of long-term improvements, creating a seamless and supportive environment for students and staff," said Director of Technology and Innovation Robert Sidford in his nomination. "Her positivity and focus ensure that problems are met with solutions, not blame, and her efforts have become a cornerstone of her schools' success." Sidford also praised O'Keefe's people skills, saying "her dedication to creating a stable, secure, and supportive environment enables students, staff, and teachers to focus on their goals and thrive." 

Peng has worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for five years. She "has demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise" and "handles every situation with competence and care," said Director of Strategic Supports and Interventions Linda Pete and Credentialed School Nurses Diana Nachajski and Marianne Johnson in their nomination. "Many students have directly benefitted from her swift actions in urgent situations, such as administering first aid or coordinating emergency care, which has had a lasting positive impact on their health and well-being." In addition, Peng "has developed a deep connection with students in her care, parents and staff," making her a "trusted figure" who demonstrates compassion, professionalism, dedication, a strong work ethic, and an "unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our school community."