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Fallbrook Union Elementary honors district teacher and employee of the year and a slate of retirees
Summary
The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District celebrated teachers and staff at a recognition event that named Helen Weiss teacher of the year and Lucia Murillo employee of the year and honored multiple retirees from across the district.
The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District opened its evening celebration with a Potter Junior High band performance before presenting district awards and retiree recognitions.
Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Heusing, the event emcee, named Helen Weiss as the district teacher of the year and Lucia Murillo as the district employee of the year and introduced short videos highlighting each honoree. "My name is Helen Weiss, and I'm a fourth grade teacher here at Fallbrook STEM Academy," Weiss said in the video, describing a classroom goal to foster a love of reading. In a separate segment, Lucia Murillo identified herself as a special education assistant at La Paloma and described providing one-on-one support and classroom collaboration.
The celebration then moved to retiree recognitions. Dr. Adrias, principal of Fallbrook STEM Academy, praised long-serving staff for steady leadership and support. Brian Frost, principal at Mary Fay Pendleton, honored Susie Kessel for a career that district remarks said began in 2001 and will continue informally as she remains connected to the classroom. Joe Nisley, principal at San Onofre School, recognized Liz Llewellyn for 38 years with Fallbrook and described her role starting electives such as culinary arts and contributing to many district programs. Child Nutrition Services staff recognized Maria Gomez’s 21 years of service, and Transportation director Robert Trotter introduced retiree Thomas O’Malley and summarized his 12 years with the district and decades of mechanical work supporting vehicle safety and inspections.
District leaders asked attendees to join photos and thanked site teams, volunteers and communications staff for supporting the evening. The event closed with reminders about the board meeting that followed and a note that closed session would begin at 5:30 p.m.
The ceremony emphasized staff contributions and continuity of programs and support for students across the district; no board action was taken during the recognition portion of the program.
