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Rialto Unified honors employees of the year and community leader Derek Harris
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Rialto Unified board celebrated multiple employee-of-the-year recognitions across food services, technology, safety and community leadership, and presented the district 'Key' to community leader Derek Harris of Never Stop Grinding.
The Rialto Unified School District board used its May 6 meeting to recognize staff and community contributions, honoring non‑teaching employees across categories and presenting a ceremonial key to longtime community leader Derek Harris.
Trustee Evelyn Domínguez introduced Derek Harris and praised his nonprofit Never Stop Grinding for youth boxing programs, community food distributions and a community center that supports students. Harris described his program’s pandemic relief work and said he is seeking sponsorships to expand travel opportunities for student athletes.
The board also recognized its non‑teaching employees of the year: Dian Comillama (food services, nearly 30 years), Wendy Moreno (transition casework and Workability services), Iret Ortiz Torres (communications), Reim Palacios (custodial), Michael Slone (network specialist) and Rachel Warner (dispatch/ security coordinator), among others. Nominators emphasized long service, mentorship, operational reliability and contributions to student wellbeing.
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight operational staff who support daily school functions—nutrition, safety, technology and student transition services—work trustees said is essential to student success and the safe operation of district programs. The board and superintendent emphasized staff resilience during a demanding end‑of‑year period.
What’s next: Awardees may advance to county-level recognitions (some awards were county‑level nominations) and the district will share recognition materials through communications channels.
SOURCE: Presentations, nominations and remarks read into the record during the May 6, 2026 board meeting.
