FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Silvia K. Martinez, 213-241-8333
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Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Resolution to Honor Classified Employees and Celebrate Classified School Employee Week
Los Angeles (May 9, 2023) - The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved today a resolution sponsored by Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, and co-sponsored by all the Board Members, honoring classified employees who are dedicated in their service to public education and are a vital part of the District.
The District will also declare the week of May 21-27, 2023 as Classified School Employee Week and encourages the celebration of classified school employees at our schools and throughout the District for their hard work and unwavering dedication to our students and families.
“We will continue to support our amazing classified employees through different means,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said “It is important that our teachers are valued but also keeping in mind that there are also office administrators, clerical staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, custodial and maintenance services as well as library aides-all who help keep our students safe. I am happy to see this week of recognition established so that we may keep in mind the hard work of our classified employees.”
“In memory of my father and his work as a janitor, I want to thank our incredible, indispensable workforce,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “From food service workers to school administrative assistants, to IT specialists and bus operators who safely transport our kids to school every day, our classified colleagues help provide safe and welcoming learning environments for our students and school communities. We fully recognize the extra mile they go to ensure our kids are ready for the world, and we are grateful for their dedication.”
“Our classified workers are the backbone of our District, the glue that holds our schools together,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “They’re the people we trust to feed our kids, pick them up and take them home, look after them in the hallways and clean up after them. Los Angeles Unified classified workers are the best – they’re the ones who sprung into action while the world shut down to make sure kids got fed and had a safe place to spend their days. They’re too often the unsung heroes of our work, and this Classified School Employee Week, I’m glad to have the opportunity to sing their praises.”
“Classified employees are the heart and soul of our District,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “They are the first to arrive and last to leave at the end of the day. Second to classroom teachers, classified employees have ongoing contact and engagement with our students that supports teaching and learning. We salute our classified employees and are grateful for the important role they play in making our schools thrive.”
“We have so many people behind the scenes, keeping our District facilities safe, open, and functioning, our buses running, our students cared for, and our communities connected,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “I wholeheartedly welcome this important opportunity to acknowledge their essential contributions, from custodians to community representatives.”
“I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution recognizing the dedication and invaluable contributions of our classified employees,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are grateful for all the hard work our employees undertake in our school communities year-round—and will continue working to ensure that they receive the respect and support they deserve.”
“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to our classified employees for the critical role they play in our schools and the entire district to ensure students are set up for success,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Our work in education is only possible because of the commitment and passion our classified employees have for our students. Thank you all for your tireless work!”
“Our classified employees play an integral role in the success of our scholars, enriching their lives both in and out the classroom,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Your commitment, compassion and leadership shines through in your many contributions to our entire school system. Your work inspires us all and we celebrate you everyday!”
“Our cafeteria workers who prepare delicious meals, bus drivers who greet our students with a smile, school police officers who keep us safe and all other classified staff who keep our schools running, deserve our recognition,” Student Board Member Nathaniel Shin said. “I am honored to celebrate their dedication, including lifesaving work supporting COVID-19 test and vaccine distribution. Thank you, classified employees! My fellow students and I deeply appreciate you.”
“Schools wouldn’t function without the essential work of classified employees,” the California School Employees Association said in a statement. “Whether it’s running school libraries, maintaining district facilities, or running critical IT infrastructure - classified employees’ daily contributions to Los Angeles Unified support our students and community. CSEA is glad the board recognizes our important contribution.”