Classified school employees are vital to ensuring that daily education operations run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. These experts (non-certificated, non-management staff) often work behind the scenes as they provide administrative, technical, and operational support—frequently with years of knowledge and experience. The annual Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Classified School Employees of the Year competition helps pay tribute to the efforts of SCOE’s outstanding classified employees.
At a reception held March 7, 2023, at SCOE’s David P. Meaney Education Center, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon announced that Rachel Dennis has been selected as the SCOE 2023 Classified School Employee of the Year. Dennis, who works at SCOE’s Prairie Elementary School—West Campus site, is an Infant Educator for the Special Education Department.
Nominees for this prestigious honor were recognized for their ongoing and exemplary performance of responsibilities contributing significantly to the success of SCOE programs, services, and special projects, and work to promote student achievement, safety, and health. Dennis will also be honored by the Sacramento County Board of Education at its May 16 meeting.
SCOE staff from up to nine categories are nominated to compete. Following paper screening and formal interviews, one person is named SCOE’s Classified Employee of the Year, while one person from each category with high enough scores can move on to the county competition. Winners at the county level become Sacramento County Classified School Employees of the Year, becoming eligible to move on to the state competition.
- Previous SCOE Classified Employees of the Year are listed online.
Classified staff members are represented by the California School Employees Association (CSEA Chapter 480).
SCOE Classified Employees of the Year Nominees
Clerical and Administrative Services Category
- Marie Hunter-Callahan, Program Analyst
SCOE School of Education - Beckie Shafer, School Secretary
Special Education (Prairie Elementary School—West Campus) - Rebecca West, School Secretary
Special Education - Cheryl Young, Administrative Assistant
Adult Education (OTAN)
Custodial and Maintenance Services Category
- Brian Alves, Senior Grounds Service Worker
Support Services Department
Paraprofessional Services Category
- Tara Degg, Paraprofessional Educator
Special Education Department (Rio Linda Preparatory Academy) - Nora Hernandez, Paraprofessional Educator
Special Education Department (Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr High School) - Rachel Dennis, Infant Educator
Special Education Department (Prairie Elementary School—West Campus)