From the first school bus route before sunrise to the final classroom cleaned at night, classified employees help keep schools across Kern County running every single day.
That work was celebrated earlier this month when nine outstanding school employees were named the 2026 Classified Employees of the Year during the annual Education Champions ceremony hosted by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS).
The annual recognition honors classified employees whose work supports students, staff, and school communities every day. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt on campuses throughout Kern County.
Unlike the Teacher of the Year program, the Classified Employees of the Year awards recognize employees across nine distinct job categories, with nominations submitted by school districts throughout Kern County. Winners are selected by a countywide committee and represent excellence in service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication.
This year’s honorees represented fields including transportation, nutrition services, facilities, technology, office support, and direct student services — highlighting the many roles essential to the daily success of schools.
During the ceremony, Cherie Payne, KCSOS’s Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, recognized the critical role classified employees play in supporting school operations and student success.
“They are the people who somehow know which copier actually works, where the missing Chromebook chargers disappeared to, why the cafeteria freezer is making ‘that sound’ again, and which substitute accidentally parked in the superintendent’s parking spot,” Payne said with a laugh.
She also highlighted the work of office staff and classroom support employees, who regularly balance scheduling, communication, student support, and day-to-day problem solving.
“Honestly, if Hollywood ever made a movie about education, the classified staff would be the elite task force nobody sees — but without them, the mission fails in the first ten minutes,” Payne said.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees.
Diego Guzman
Lead Custodian
Lamont Elementary School District
Mt. View Middle School
Diego Guzman brings more than 20 years of custodial experience to Lamont Elementary School District, where he maintains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for students and staff. Known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail, Guzman consistently ensures facilities are well cared for and ready for daily use. Earlier this year, he assisted law enforcement in identifying stolen school property following a campus burglary, helping investigators recover items and make an arrest. His reliability, professionalism, and pride in his work make him a valued member of the school community.
Wendy Partain
Bus Driver
Norris School District
Wendy Partain is recognized for her commitment to student safety and well-being. Each day begins with thorough safety checks and a focus on creating a calm and positive environment for students. She builds strong relationships with her riders and their families, helping ensure that students arrive at school ready to learn. Her consistent professionalism, care, and attention to detail make her an essential part of the district’s transportation team and a trusted presence for students and parents alike.
Miguel Reyes Gonzalez
Campus Supervisor
Kern High School District
Stockdale High School
Miguel Reyes Gonzalez plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and supportive campus environment at Stockdale High School. He is known for his calm demeanor, strong communication skills, and ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism. He maintains a visible presence on campus and builds positive relationships with students and staff. He has also taken on additional responsibilities, including supporting student programs such as the Boys Council initiative. His steady leadership and commitment to student safety contribute to a positive school culture.
Tamara White
School Secretary
Rosedale Union School District
Patriot Elementary
Tamara White is often the first point of contact for students and families at Patriot Elementary, where she manages complex administrative responsibilities with precision while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment. She is known for her ability to remain calm during high-pressure situations, including coordinating responses during medical emergencies and communicating with families and staff. She knows every student on campus by name and builds meaningful relationships that foster a strong sense of belonging. Her professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail make her an indispensable part of the school community.
David Boyd
AC/Heating Mechanic II
KCSOS
David Boyd has spent more than two decades ensuring that school facilities are safe and comfortable for students and staff across KCSOS sites. His expertise in maintaining HVAC systems supports optimal learning environments year-round. He also plays a key role in maintaining KCSOS’s compressed natural gas fueling station, which supports both school transportation and community services. Known for his reliability and technical skill, Boyd consistently responds to issues with urgency and precision while mentoring others on his team.
Aracely Ramirez
Family & Child Services Specialist
Lamont Elementary School District
Mt. View Middle School
Aracely Ramirez has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting students and families in Lamont. She connects families with critical resources, leads support programs, and works directly with students facing significant challenges. Deeply involved in the community, she is known for building strong, lasting relationships with families and coordinating services that make a meaningful difference. Her work within multi-tiered systems of support has expanded access to services for students who need them most. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment to equity have made a lasting impact across the district.
Ernestina “Ernie” Arellano
Food Service Assistant
KCSOS
Ernestina “Ernie” Arellano has spent nearly two decades in Food and Nutrition Services, ensuring that meals are prepared and served with care and dignity. She is known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and leadership within the kitchen. In addition to her daily responsibilities, she supports community outreach through food rescue and donation programs, helping ensure that surplus food reaches families in need. Her dedication to quality and her commitment to serving others reflect the core values of KCSOS and the broader community.
Josh Townsend
Educational Systems Specialist
KCSOS
Josh Townsend has made a significant impact through his work improving technology access for students and staff across Kern County. He has led large-scale efforts to automate account management systems, saving hundreds of staff hours and improving efficiency across multiple districts. His work has also expanded equitable access to technology for thousands of students, particularly in rural areas. Townsend’s leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative approach continue to strengthen instructional support and digital access throughout the county.
JoAnn Hawkins
Instructional Aide
Standard School District
Standard Middle School
JoAnn Hawkins is being recognized for more than 40 years of dedicated service to students. Known for her compassion and deep connection with those she serves, Hawkins has supported generations of learners, particularly students who need additional academic support. She works closely with teachers to provide targeted instruction in reading and math while creating a classroom environment where students feel confident and supported. Her commitment to students, mentorship of colleagues, and lasting impact on the community make her a standout honoree as she prepares for retirement.
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.