At the May 4, 2011 Board of Education Meeting the Classified Employees of the Year and nominees were recognized for their outstanding work and dedication.  These recipients represent the hundreds of Fontana Unified School District's classified employees who help provide safe, clean, and productive environments for the students in our district every day.  Without their contributions, our schools and our district could not function.  From this exceptional group of employees, William Wu, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources announced the 2010-11 FUSD Classified Employee of the Year, Robin Prowse, Teacher Aide (HI) at Live Oak Elementary School.

"The 2010-11 Classified Employee of the Year Award goes to an employee who, throughout her 18 years of service with Fontana USD, has exemplified the commitment and professionalism that drives student success," said Mr. Wu. "Ms. Prowse is recognized by her colleagues as an 'unsung hero' and 'role model' for her collaboration with other staff members and for her creativity, including her hilarious acting skills."

"Providing support for students from 1st grade to 5th grade at Live Oak Elementary School gives Ms. Prowse the opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships with students and families in an effort to heighten students' American Sign Language skills," he continued.  "She attends local and international expos and draws on her own experience as a Hard of Hearing person to ensure that the classroom environment is conducive to the learning and social development of students in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. Her work as a Teacher Aide (Hearing Impaired) extends beyond the classroom, as she participates in school activities and DHH Program events such as Deaf Awareness Day."

Categories for recognition were designated by the San Bernardino County Schools, based on the State recognition program.  Nominees for winners of the Classified Employees of the Year recognition were determined by the classified employees' union, United Steel Workers.

Winners in each category were submitted to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools as District representatives in the County recognition program.  Susan Ortiz, Kitchen Assistant at Kaiser High School, was selected by the County as a County Classified Employee of the Year.  Ms. Ortiz was honored at the San Bernardino County Board of Education Meeting on April 4, 2011 (click here to read more).

The nominees in the following categories were recognized at the meeting (category finalists are in bold):