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
Kiu Chuong, Financial Analyst, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent John Fleischman for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Chuong works in the Financial Services Department, providing all aspects of accounting support to several SCOE programs including CTAP (California Technology Assistance Project), Instructional Technology & Learning Resources, Technology Services, Internet & Media Services, CNTS (Computer, Network and Telecommunication Support), AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity Access Program) and BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment). Reports Becky Taylor, her supervisor, "Kiu is an outstanding employee who is always professional, hard-working, dependable, and very customer-service focused. The departments with which Kiu works are very unique within themselves and each grant or program within each department is also very different. Kiu has a true knack for understanding and implementing individualized fiscal tools for her departments and always 'goes the extra mile' to provide nothing but the best support to them." Andrea Willis, Director of Internet & Media Services, says, "As a department that is soft-funded, it is imperative that we stay on top of our budgets. Kiu's expertise, knowledge and customer service attitude have enabled my department to greatly improve our fiscal practices. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with Kiu. She is an invaluable part of our team." Another accolade is from Director Marian Thacher, who says, "Kiu has been indispensable in supporting OTAN in its contract proposal and budgeting process. She knows SCOE and California Department of Education requirements, she knows how to find the answer if she doesn't have it, and she is quick and efficient in answering questions and helping me develop budget spreadsheets. It's a pleasure working with her because she has a 'can-do' attitude and never says, 'No.'" Director of Technology Projects Jerry Jones states, "I appreciate Kiu's hard work, dedication and skill as a Financial Analyst who supports our department. She most importantly takes the time to understand the unique needs, challenges and requirements of our department when it comes to supporting technology for the organization. This has in turn made her an invaluable asset to our team." Director Ben Anderson agrees, saying, "Kiu is always right on top of our budgets. She anticipates changes and alerts us about necessary adjustments. She responds quickly to questions and is incredibly efficient at keeping our budgets in line and responding to our needs. She's an effective budget analyst and a pleasure to work with." Her supervisor concludes, "Kiu's positive and pleasant attitude and willingness to take on new challenges when necessary make her deserving of this honor." Ms. Chuong has been a SCOE employee since March 2001.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Bonita Keisler, SH Teacher, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Keisler works with students at McCaffrey Middle School who have physical disabilities. She has developed an ideal classroom environment for her students, providing them both academic and life skills in an inclusive general education setting. Her classroom maintains a consistent schedule and student expectations are set high. All who work in the classroom consider themselves a single team, largely due to the leadership model exemplified by Ms. Keisler. Ms. Keisler demonstrates a passion and genuine interest in her students, and she passes on her skills to her support staff. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Keisler is committed to her students and their families, and keeps the lines of communication open at all times. She works hard to ensure her students receive all services available to them through SCOE, Galt Elementary School District, and other agencies and community resources." Ms. Keisler has worked diligently to successfully integrate her students and staff into the McCaffrey School community. Her commitment and dedication to her program are commendable. Her supervisor concludes, "Ms Keisler's 'can-do' attitude has helped her students to develop those skills necessary for them to experience independence and success in their life's journeys." Ms. Keisler has been employed by SCOE since February 1998.