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-Editorial
The Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE) has announced the winners of the prestigious Classified School Employees of the Year Award for 2024. This year’s recipients include Elba Gallegos and Rosaura Garcia from Brawley Elementary School District, Peter Gutierrez from Central Union High School District, and Christian Moreno from El Centro Elementary School District.
The Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) Award Program honors the exemplary contributions of classified personnel who support the educational journeys of more than 36,000 public school students across Imperial County, from kindergarten through 12th grade. These awards recognize the vital roles played by non-teaching staff, from bus drivers and custodians to instructional aides, who are instrumental in fostering environments that promote student achievement, safety, and health.
Dr. Todd Finnell, Imperial County Superintendent of Schools, praised the awardees, stating, “Each of these individuals exemplifies the dedication and passion of our school employees. Their daily efforts make a significant impact on the lives of the students and families they serve.”
Profiles of the 2024 Award Recipients:
Elba Gallegos, Brawley Elementary School District
Ms. Gallegos has been a stalwart supporter of student well-being, proactively securing resources such as bicycles from local businesses and coordinating with Starbucks to provide free coffee for school events. She played a crucial role in the success of the Read Across America program at her school.
Rosaura Garcia, Brawley Elementary School District
Known affectionately as Ms. Rosie, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and resourcefulness. Her deep community ties have enabled her to acquire essential support for students and their families, providing a comforting presence during challenging times.
Peter Gutierrez, Central Union High School District
Mr. Gutierrez is known for his respectful and attentive interactions with students, ensuring campus safety and actively seeking solutions to enhance the school environment. His proactive approach has been praised by colleagues, including Principal Craig Lyon.
Christian Moreno, El Centro Elementary School District
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Moreno was pivotal in the District’s food service delivery, helping distribute over 1.5 million meals to the community. His dedication was particularly commendable given the harsh conditions of the intense summer heat.
In addition to their countywide recognition, all four awardees have been nominated by the ICOE for the California Department of Education’s statewide CSEY Award Program, setting a benchmark of excellence for their peers across California.
The community celebrates these unsung heroes whose dedication ensures not only the smooth operation of schools but also the nurturing of young minds in Imperial County.
