Pamela Larsen, head of security at Jefferson Middle School in the San Gabriel Unified School District, has earned statewide recognition as one of the nine 2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond selected Larsen from 135 nominations across California for her exemplary work in the Security Services category. During her seven years at Jefferson Middle School, Larsen implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports principles to enhance campus safety. Colleagues commend her ability to de-escalate situations through connection rather than authority. 

The annual awards program honors outstanding classified school employees across nine categories. Superintendent Thurmond will honor Larsen and other recipients at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 22.

For more information about the Classified School Employees of the Year program, visit the California Department of Education website at cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cl/