CUSD celebrated its annual Classified Employees of the Year ceremony on Monday, April 27, at the Capistrano Valley High Theatre. This year, nearly 250 classified employees were nominated across the nine categories, a District record.
CLERICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Josie Monge, Use of Facilities & Operations Specialist, Maintenance & Operations
Josie is the driving force behind ensuring our District’s facilities serve both students and the community seamlessly. As a Use of Facilities and Operations Specialist, she works behind the scenes to keep events running smoothly, coordinating with stakeholders and supporting her team so everyone can focus on what matters most. Beyond the workplace, her passion shines on the water—coaching novice paddlers, competing internationally for Team USA, and giving back through adaptive programs for students. A natural leader and lifelong learner, she brings dedication, innovation, and heart to everything she does, making her an invaluable and deeply respected member of the team.
SKILLED TRADES
Kirk Waymire, Maintenance Electrician, Maintenance & Operations
Kirk consistently brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a readiness to step in wherever needed. When asked to take on a temporary promotional role, he rose to the challenge immediately—making an impact through his reliability, follow-through, and ability to handle complex tasks with confidence. Known for his clear communication and approachable nature, he builds strong relationships with staff and consistently delivers excellent service. He leads by example, often supporting teammates across trades and even mentoring others along the way. Beyond work, his commitment to helping others continues through volunteer efforts, making him not only a valuable team member, but someone who truly embodies service and dedication.
PARAPROFESSIONALS
Ann Marino, Paraeducator II, Dana Hills High School
Ann is a dedicated paraeducator who goes above and beyond every day to support student success, especially in math. With patience, warmth, and a strong ability to connect, she creates a safe and encouraging space where students feel confident asking questions and tackling challenges. She’s a constant presence on campus—opening her classroom before school, during breaks, and throughout the day to provide extra help to any student who needs it. Proactive and attentive, she supports both students and teachers by identifying needs, keeping detailed notes, and ensuring no one falls behind. Her commitment, compassion, and leadership make a lasting impact on students and the entire school community.
FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES
Corinne Hall, Lead Food Service Professional, Central Kitchen
Corinne is an exceptional leader whose impact is felt across multiple school sites through her organization, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As a Lead, she ensures policies and procedures are followed with consistency while building strong, trusting relationships with staff and administrators alike. Known for her clear communication and high standards, she leads by example—training new employees with patience and precision, and always stepping in wherever support is needed. Beyond her role, her dedication to the community shines through her volunteer work and outreach efforts. Her leadership, integrity, and genuine care make her a respected and invaluable part of the team.
HEALTH & STUDENT SERVICES
Heidy Viloria, Bilingual Community Services Liaison, San Clemente High School
Heidy is an extraordinary BCL whose impact reaches far beyond translation—she is a trusted bridge between school and home. Through compassion, professionalism, and cultural understanding, she ensures Spanish-speaking families feel informed, valued, and fully connected to their child’s education. Whether supporting hundreds of meetings, advocating for vulnerable students, or guiding families through complex systems, she approaches every interaction with care and purpose. Her leadership in family engagement and unwavering commitment to equity create a sense of trust and belonging across the community. Simply put, her dedication transforms lives and strengthens the entire school environment.
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Jay Kopecky, Technology Support Specialist I, TIS
Jay is a highly dependable and skilled member of the TIS team, known for delivering exceptional support across multiple school sites. Managing hundreds of service tickets while completing a large-scale refresh of over 400 computers, he consistently demonstrates strong technical expertise, efficiency, and time management. His proactive approach and sense of ownership ensure that classrooms stay connected and operational, often going above and beyond to resolve issues quickly and minimize disruptions to learning. His reliability, initiative, and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the district.
TRANSPORTATION
Matthew Martinez, Dispatcher
Matthew is an exceptional professional whose expertise, dedication, and leadership keep transportation operations running seamlessly every day. With a deep knowledge of every aspect of the job, he serves as a trusted resource—coordinating routes, supporting drivers, and communicating clearly with families and school staff. Known for his calm, approachable demeanor, he builds strong relationships across the district, even taking the time to know every driver by name. Whether stepping in to drive, mentoring new team members, or reworking routes during critical shortages, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every student arrives safely. His commitment, teamwork, and care make a lasting impact on the entire community.
SECURITY SERVICES
Gigi Scolari, Campus Supervisor, Marco Forster Middle School
Gigi is a remarkable presence on campus whose impact extends far beyond her role. Known for her compassion and dedication, she consistently goes above and beyond—stepping in wherever needed and building strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families alike.
Her leadership truly shines through her creation of Rocky’s Closet, a student-centered clothing resource that provides clean, stylish options in a boutique-like setting. What began as an idea has become a powerful source of dignity and confidence for students, giving them not only essential items, but a sense of belonging. She has invested countless hours organizing donations, even working outside of school hours to ensure every student has access to what they need.
CUSTODIAL & MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Brian Biggs, Lead Groundskeeper, Maintenance & Operations
Brian is a dedicated and dependable leader who takes great pride in maintaining safe, welcoming, and well-kept school campuses. With strong attention to detail and extensive knowledge, he ensures that daily operations run smoothly—coordinating tasks, supporting his team, and proactively addressing issues before they arise. Known for his positive attitude and willingness to step in wherever needed, he consistently goes above and beyond to support school programs, events, and student activities. His commitment to excellence and genuine care for the campus environment make a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire school community.
