Santa Rita board unveils annual in-memoriam recognition for district employees
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Summary
The board established a new annual memorial to honor current and former Santa Rita Union School District employees who died during the prior calendar year and heard tributes for several longtime staff and volunteers.
The Santa Rita Union School District board voted to institute an annual in-memoriam recognition in January to honor current and former employees who died during the prior calendar year.
Board members shared personal memories of multiple staff members and volunteers. Trustees and staff highlighted the service of longtime board member and substitute teacher Kaye (last name not specified in the transcript), noting her 16 years of board service and years volunteering as a substitute; "She was truly a pillar in this community," a speaker said during the tributes.
The board also paid tribute to John Trapani, a science teacher at Gavilan View Middle School with more than 40 years of service, whose former students and colleagues recalled his animated teaching and continued engagement with the district after retirement. Rhonda Friesen Velez was recognized for more than 20 years as a health aide and paraprofessional who ran reptile presentations that drew students to fall festivals. Jesse Rico, head custodian at Santa Rita and McKinnon Elementary, was remembered for more than 30 years of service and daily care for campuses. Other staff remembered included Debbie Bujovich (yard duty/paraprofessional), Denise Pollock (longtime literacy volunteer and board member of a reading fund), and several additional individuals.
Board members suggested sharing the memorial slide show on district social media and making the recognition a standing January agenda item. The board observed a moment of silence to honor those who passed and thanked families and community members for attending.
