The CSEY Program highlights the contributions of classified school employees who support the education of close to six million California public school students from preschool through 12th grade. 

“From transporting students to school safely, to feeding students and keeping our schools clean, classified employees play an important role in keeping schools running smoothly,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “They engage and nurture students and make a positive impact on their school communities.” 

The Los Angeles County Office of Education received 54 nominees from 22 districts and selected the following nine individuals:

1. Nancy Valdez, Downey Unified, Clerical and Administrative Services
2. Jesus Mercado, Covina-Valley Unified, Custodial & Maintenance Services
3. Claudia Toscano, Los Angeles Unified, Food and Nutrition Services
4. Liset Quintero, Paramount Unified, Health and Student Services
5. Silvina 'Mina' Olmos-Sanchez, Paramount Unified, Paraprofessional Services
6. Martin Nava, Mountain View, Security Services
7. Kevin Nowaki, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified, Skilled Trades Services
8. Kim Vensko, Saugus Union, Technical Services
9. Sheila McKissic-Watts, Inglewood Unified, Transportation Services

The CSEY Program aims to identify and honor exemplary classified school employees throughout California in the following nine occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. 

A selection committee from the California Department of Education will evaluate the applications and will announce and celebrate the 2023 CSEY Awardees in May, during Classified School Employee Week.