Benicia Unified recognizes district educators of the year at Feb. board meeting
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Summary
Trustees honored classified and certificated educators across schools — principals, teachers, aides and support staff received certificates and small local-business gift awards in a ceremony introduced by Dr. Jennings.
Dr. Jennings introduced a recognition program at the Benicia Unified School District board meeting, saying, “I am honored to be here this evening to present to the board for recognition some of our exceptional classified and certificated educators.” The board called up honorees from district administration, Benicia High, Liberty High, Venetia Middle, Joe Henderson, Matthew Turner, Robert Semple and Mary Farmer elementary schools, and the child development program for certificates and photos.
The ceremony named site- and district-level recipients and highlighted specific contributions: Mark Nelson (Venetia Middle) was recognized for improved CAASPP results and community partnership; principal Steven Slater and a set of classified staff were praised for their visible presence and student outreach; classroom teachers and aides — including Janine Otterbeck, Marissa Larson and Erin O'Leary Montgomery — were commended for special-education support, yearbook production, and speech services. Maintenance and operations staff member Mitch Filshik and child-development lead Maribel Romero were also honored for facilities and early-childhood program leadership.
The board presented certificates and small downtown "gift" awards for honorees, paused for photos between each award, and Superintendent Calabresse and board members thanked staff and families for attending. President Grubbs closed the recognition portion and moved on to the remainder of the agenda.
The recognition was ceremonial only; no board action or budgetary commitments resulted from the presentations.