SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Bonita Unified School District recognized the positive impact that educators and school employees can have on students’ lives – whether in just a few years or during a career that spans decades – as it honored the District’s 2022-23 Classified, Certificated and Management Employees of the Year during the Board of Education meeting on April 12.

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Kevin Lee provided a heartfelt introduction of each employee during the meeting, where the honorees were presented with flowers and received hugs and applause from their colleagues, families, friends and students.

Chaparral-Vista High School registrar Cathy Schofield was named the District Classified Employee of the Year, celebrating her key role in going above and beyond to ensure that all students, parents and staff receive the support they need. Schofield, who has worked at Chaparral-Vista High for eight years and served the students of Bonita Unified for 30 years, will retire at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

“It is apparent that Cathy comes to work each day to make sure she is making somebody else’s life better,” Lee said. “Whether it be leading a celebratory office dance for a graduate, planning schoolwide events, providing support to other staff members or assisting a parent, she helps others with a servant heart and a positive approach.”

Lone Hill Middle School math teacher Kerri Cooper was named the District’s Certificated Employee of the Year, recognizing her lasting impact on Lone Hill students and staff after just three years with Bonita Unified. Cooper was commended for her leader mindset and collaboration with her colleagues, as well as for her investment in supporting students through the transformative challenges of middle school.

“Students experience many physical, emotional and education challenges during middle school,” Lee said. “Middle school is a crucial point in their development to help prepare them for high school and set them up for lifelong success. The work Kerri does every day at Lone Hill is focused on this very purpose.”

Grace Miller Elementary School principal Leslie Sandoval completes the District’s trifecta of outstanding employees with her designation as the 2022-23 Administrator of the Year. Sandoval, a Bonita Unified alumna who returned to the District as an employee in 2001, has served as a teacher, Associated Student Body advisor and assistant principal before stepping into her current administrative role. She was lauded for her excellence in fostering equity in education and providing motivational support to teachers and staff.

“Leslie is a ‘solution-izer’ who always has a creative solution to solve difficult problems that may prevent the best opportunities and learning for all students,” Lee said. “She tirelessly brainstorms, plans and advocates for every single student.”

Schofield, Cooper and Sandoval will be recognized along with the employees of the year from each school and District department during an employee celebration dinner on April 25.

“Bonita Unified is very lucky to have a wonderful team of employees who are truly invested in preparing every student to live their purpose,” Superintendent Matt Wien said. “Congratulations to all of our Certificated, Classified and Management Employees of the Year on this well-deserved honor.”

PHOTOS:

BUSD_EMPLOYEE1: Cathy Schofield, center, is recognized as Bonita Unified’s 2022-23 Classified Employee of the Year by Board of Education President Glenn Creiman, Vice President Greg Palatto, Clerk Chris Ann Horsley, Member Derek Bahmanou, Superintendent Matt Wien and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kevin Lee during the April 12 Board of Education meeting.

BUSD_EMPLOYEE2: After just three years in Bonita Unified, Lone Hill Middle School math teacher Kerri Cooper, center, is honored as the District’s Certificated Employee of the Year by Bonita Unified administrators and Board of Education members.

BUSD_EMPLOYEE3: Bonita Unified alumna Leslie Sandoval, who currently serves as the principal of Grace Miller Elementary School, was named the District’s Management Employee of the Year. Sandoval’s leadership and dedication to Bonita Unified students and staff was recognized the Board of Education and District administrators during the April 12 Board meeting.