School Classified Employee of the Year Spotlight: Tami Weslow
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the 2024 Kern County School Classified Employees of the Year Selections. Eight employees were selected by a committee from a pool of thirty nominees in a variety of job classifications. The eight are now eligible for the statewide award program.
On the grounds of Paul L. Cato Middle School in east Bakersfield, there’s one name that echoes louder than most – Tami Weslow. Although her official title may read “Specially Funded Clerk,” Tami embodies much more than a mere job description. Her colleagues agree that she is the heartbeat of Cato and the linchpin that holds the school community together.
Day in and day out, Tami’s presence radiates warmth and a willingness to assist. Whether it’s supporting office operations, overseeing the school plan budget, arranging field trips and staff travel, monitoring state and federal programs, purchasing, or oversight of the School Site Council, Tami is armed with unparalleled knowledge and skills, having served in her current role for nine years and a total of 36 with the Bakersfield City School District.
Tami deserves this beyond anyone else I have ever met. She is just absolutely wonderful and an integral part of what makes Cato so special.
— Cato Principal Anthony Richardson
Tami Weslow
Affectionately known as “Ms. Tami” by students, she is the go-to for nearly anything on campus and always greets those she encounters them with a smile and a laugh.
“Tami is one of the funniest people here at school,” said Cato Academic Coach Erika Gibbons. “She is amazing, kind, and always lends a helping hand whenever it is needed.”
Cato parents love Ms. Tami too. She is a familiar face at stakeholder meetings like the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and the African American Parent Advisory Committee, where parents laud her organizational skills and kindness. Tami is known to purchase little thank you gifts for parents to show her appreciation for their time.
Even though it is not required of her, Tami is always willing to stay and help parents with anything they need. Even if it is just simple information about what is happening at school or making sure a parent or family has the materials needed to help their student succeed.
“She definitely works above her paid grade,” Richardson said.
While Tami is revered as one of the most dedicated, compassionate, and detail-oriented individuals on campus, she remains incredibly modest.
“I am very thankful and humbled to be honored. It means a lot to be acknowledged for my dedication and work,” Weslow said. “I have always been blessed to work with great co-workers, great schools, and great students.”
By Robert Meszaros
Rob Meszaros is Director of Communications for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he has served since 2012. In his role, Meszaros oversees media relations, internal and external communication strategies, publications, Marcom, branding, and multi-media content creation. Before joining KCSOS, Meszaros was the PIO for CSU Bakersfield and earlier worked for seven years at The Bakersfield Californian.