The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Susan Strauch, Office Assistant, was nominated by Sacramento Community Based Coalition Administrator Bill Lane, Ph.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Strauch's daily activities are anything but routine. They include organization and maintenance of over 2,000 client files, intake scheduling and daily coordination with parole and corrections staff. Her supervisor reports, "Susan is both prompt and efficient in her role, setting high standards for herself that directly reflect in the quality of her work. She excels in meeting the needs of clients and staff of the SCBC." Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Ms. Strauch has been instrumental in ensuring a constant flow of parolee clients into the SCBC. In her short time at the program she has already coordinated the scheduling of more than 300 new parolee intakes, led the reorganization of the SCBC's client filing system, and participated in the planning and operations of recently implemented weekly pre-orientations. Concludes her supervisor, "Susan's friendly approach to her position, her willingness to assist our clients with their immediate needs, and her outstanding ability to communicate with our community partners have undoubtedly impacted the lives of those we serve. She consistently displays an unrivaled level of professionalism and commitment to achieving the mission of our program." Ms. Strauch has been a SCOE employee since November 2004.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Deron Rodriguez, Language, Speech and Hearing Specialist, was nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for his contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Rodriguez works with students in a variety of settings in the northern area of Sacramento County. He serves preschoolers in an inclusive setting, middle school students with autism, and students with significant disabilities at SCOE's Dry Creek Elementary School. Using a variety of communication tools and strategies, he strives to give non-verbal students a voice. Mr. Rodriguez is known for his strong collaboration with the classroom team, supporting team members to help meet the communication needs of students. His supervisor says, "Deron has a kind and gentle, but fun, approach in his dealings with students, families and staff. He is able to build a relationship with students of all ages. Preschool students rush to his side when 'Mr. Deron' enters their classroom. Middle school students light up when he walks into a class. He is loved by his students." Mr. Rodriguez has been employed by SCOE since November 2005.