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June 2007
Getting To Know
The 2007 Classified Man and Woman of the Year
At school sites, central offices, or on the road, in more than 700 job classifications, SDUSD classified employees share a common goal: to provide our students with safe and positive learning environments. The Board of Education honored more than 7,100 dedicated classified employees at a ceremony held May 22 in recognition of Classified Employees Week. Included in the ceremony was the announcement of the district’s 2007 Classified Employee Man and Woman of the Year and runners-up.

Preston Robinson Preston Robinson, from De Portola Middle School, is the 2007 Classified Man of the Year. His official job title is Network System-Media Support Technician but according to De Portola Principal Listy Gillingham, “Preston Robinson is a magician.” He is responsible for the maintenance and repair of hundreds of computers at the school and is the “go to guy” for help with e-mail, Zangle, and the school’s website. His talent is obvious; his dedication to the staff is inspiring.

As dedicated as he is to the staff, Preston is even more caring and concerned with students. Every year, he takes two to three “at-risk” kids under his wing, helping struggling students turn the corner and strive to follow the right path.

“Preston works tirelessly to help students achieve by working with them directly and assisting staff to support those students,” said teacher Aaron Frick. “He does not quit, he does not say no. He is always working hard, giving it his best and making wherever he is a better place to be.”

Kathy Reed Kathy Reed, a Special Education Technician assigned to Patrick Henry High School, is the 2007 Classified Woman of the Year. Kathy has dedicated more than 23 years to working with special education students in Integrated Life Skills (ILS) classrooms. She has spent 19 of those years at Patrick Henry.

With so many years in ILS classrooms, the special education curriculum and philosophy are second nature to Kathy. She treats her students with respect. She sets high expectations and works diligently with the students to make sure they reach their goals. She remains positive and kind in every situation. Her efforts are rewarded by her students’ enthusiasm, smiles, pride and social progress.

“Kathy devotes her whole day, every day, to making sure the severely handicapped special education students under her supervision receive the best care possible,” said Special Education Resource Specialist Florise Seip. “She is dedicated to meeting their numerous individual needs, which allows each student to grow as an individual. She is a tremendous guiding force in the lives of her students and an outstanding asset to our high school.”

First runner-up honors went to Carol Lee from the Special Education Satellite Office, and Ryan Barbrick, assigned to Twain Jr./Sr. High School. Karen Lacey-Jackson from Encanto Elementary School and Nick Nicolas from the Program Studies Department were second runners-up. To read more and see a complete list of site representatives, go to www.sandi.net