Oceanside School Employee Honored with Statewide Award

News Summary

Maria ‘Lisa’ Lopez, a dedicated school community advisor at César Chávez Middle School in Oceanside, has been recognized as the California Classified School Employee of the Year. This prestigious title, awarded by the California Department of Education, highlights her nine years of service and her commitment to enhancing family engagement and educational experiences for students. Lopez’s initiatives, including personal outreach to families, underscore the critical role of classified employees in supporting school operations and student welfare.

Oceanside Recognizes Local School Employee for Excellence

Oceanside, California – Maria “Lisa” Lopez has been awarded the title of California Classified School Employee of the Year in the Clerical and Administrative Services category by the California Department of Education. The announcement was made on Tuesday, recognizing her significant contributions over her nine-year tenure at César Chávez Middle School within the Oceanside Unified School District.

Lopez was honored alongside eight other classified school employees, as highlighted by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. He acknowledged the dedication of these employees to California’s public school students and their crucial roles in ensuring student welfare—including necessary services like meals and campus safety.

In her role as a school community advisor, Lopez acts as an advocate for families, focusing her efforts on understanding the underlying issues behind complaints to implement changes that enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders. This proactive approach has fostered improved communication and engagement between families and the school, particularly as she collaborates with a new assistant principal to bolster trust regarding student support and discipline.

Initiatives to Improve Family Engagement

During the upcoming 2023–24 school year, Lopez has been working closely with the assistant principal to directly address parental concerns about communication. They undertook an initiative to personally call every family when a student is brought to the office, helping to build relationships and trust between the school and families.

Acknowledgment of Excellence

The recognition of Lopez is part of a larger initiative to honor outstanding contributions from classified employees throughout the state. This year’s award recipients were selected from a competitive pool of 135 nominations statewide, underscoring the exemplary service provided by classified staff members across California’s public school system.

Continued Support for Classified Employees

San Diego County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, expressed appreciation for the passion and expertise of classified employees like Lopez, acknowledging their pivotal role in supporting student success. Their dedication not only affects students but also strengthens school communities.

The accolade will be formally recognized at a luncheon held by Superintendent Thurmond in Sacramento on May 22, 2025, where award winners from around the state will be celebrated for their invaluable contributions.

Background Context on Classified Employees

Classified school employees include individuals who play essential roles in schools, such as clerical staff, maintenance personnel, and cafeteria workers. These employees are often the backbone of school operations, ensuring that both educational and support services run smoothly. The California Department of Education emphasizes the significance of classified employees, noting their impacts on the overall learning environment and student well-being.

Lopez’s recognition as the California Classified School Employee of the Year not only spotlights her individual achievements but also serves to remind communities of the impactful roles that classified school employees play in enriching the educational landscape for students and families alike.

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Additional Resources

• Times of San Diego: Oceanside Unified Community Advisor Maria Lopez Named CA Classified School Employee of the Year
• San Diego Union-Tribune: Q&A with Eleanor Evans, Candidate for Oceanside Unified School Board
• San Diego Union-Tribune: Who’s Running for School Board? Meet the Candidates in Every District Around San Diego County
• Google Search: California Classified School Employee of the Year
• NBC San Diego: Oceanside Police IDs Suspect in KinderCare Teacher’s Killing
• Wikipedia: Classified Employee