The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) announced the Santa Clara County 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year at the Santa Clara County Board of Education meeting June 3.
Honorees were selected for each of the nine service categories: clerical and administrative, custodial and maintenance, food and nutrition, health and student services, paraprofessional, security, skilled trades, technical and transportation.
“Classified employees care deeply about the students and communities they serve, and it shows in everything they do,” said Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., county superintendent of schools, in a release. “It’s meaningful work that is seen, valued, and makes a lasting impact.”
Classified school employees support the education and school systems of California’s more than six million public school students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
“The program honors exceptional classified employees who create and sustain a welcoming, safe, and effective learning environment every day,” a spokesperson said. “From paraprofessionals, school bus drivers and cafeteria workers to others, these employees play key roles in supporting learners throughout the county.”
The nine Santa Clara County winners and their corresponding nomination categories and districts are as follows:
| Category | Awardee Name | District |
| Clerical and Administrative Services | Melody Jones | Campbell Union High School District |
| Custodial and Maintenance Services | Maria Castillo | Alum Rock Union School District |
| Food and Nutrition Services | Karina Duran | Franklin-McKinley School District |
| Health and Student Services | Evelyn Lopez | Alum Rock Union School District |
| Paraprofessional Services | Margarita Venegas Rayas | Franklin-McKinley School District |
| Security Services | Archie Ljepava | Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District |
| Skilled Trades | Manuel Delgado | Gilroy Unified School District |
| Technical Services | Jenny Torres | Union School District |
| Transportation Services | Fernando Crespo | Alum Rock Union School District |
