Stanislaus school staff nominated to receive state honor

MODESTO -- Educators will applaud outstanding school support staff this month as part of Stanislaus County's Employees Making a Difference program.

"This program helps us recognize the efforts of some of our outstanding classified employees, many who are unsung heroes behind the scenes," said Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Tom Changnon.

The Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Association of California School Administrators Stanislaus Charter put on the program.

School districts nominated 28 classified staff members this year from the school meals program; maintenance and operations; support services and security; office and technical staff; and classroom aides. One from each category will be named Tuesday to represent Stanislaus County in the California School Employee of the Year program.

New this year is the Jane Johnston Civility Award, named in honor of the late SCOE assistant superintendent who helped launch the countywide Choose Civility initiative in 2010 and was active with the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County.

"Jane was an exceptional model of civility at work and in our community. Thus, the Education Foundation thought it would be a fitting tribute to create this award in her memory," said Education Foundation Chairwoman Carol Benson. The award will be presented to one of the 28 nominees who best exemplifies the principles of civility.

Each district was eligible to send in a certain number of nominees based on district enrollment.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339, and on Twitter, @NanAustin.