Ocean View recognizes 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year; one winner advances to county selection

The Ocean View Personnel Commission and Dr. Jensen on May 1 formally recognized the district's 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year.

Michelle Leifert explained the nomination and selection process used by the district: eligible nominees must be rank-and-file classified employees, have at least five years of service in their category, and not have been previously chosen as a district winner; district nominations are reviewed by a committee of past winners and then forwarded to the county selection process.

Leifert said the district received 16 nominations across four categories. She announced the district winners and their roles: Bu Tram Lin, parent liaison at Starview (paraprofessional category); David Serrano, head custodian at Lakeview (custodial and maintenance); Bridal Jacobo Ayala, lead food service worker at Hope View (food and nutrition); and Franchesca Baldelli, administrative assistant (clerical and administrative). Leifert noted that Bridal Jacobo Ayala was selected by the Orange County Department of Education as its county winner in the food and nutrition category and will move on to the state-level competition.

After the slideshow and recognition, the chair asked how long before the state notifies winners; Leifert said she did not know the timeline but would find out and report back.

The commission and attendees offered congratulations to the winners. The district noted winners had previously been recognized at their school sites and at the board of trustees meeting on April 14.