Oceanside Library Technician Named State Classified Employee of the Year

Angela Cruz, a library media technician in Oceanside Unified School District, was named the 2026 California Classified School Employee of the Year in the Clerical and Administrative Services category.

Cruz has transformed the library at Stuart Mesa School into an inclusive literacy hub for students in transitional kindergarten through 8th grade by modernizing the collection, personally matching students with books that will speak to their interests and creating school-wide reading events.

She also volunteers each morning at the front gate, serving as a consistent, welcoming face for students, many of whom are from military families navigating frequent moves and deployments.

Through her advocacy, she has also inspired community support of the school, including recruiting parent volunteers and securing grants from community businesses and partners.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Cruz and eight other outstanding classified school employees today for their dedication to California’s public school students.

“California’s classified school employees are often the first to welcome our students each morning and the last to ensure they are supported at the end of the day. These outstanding award recipients represent the best of the countless classified employees serving schools across our state,” said Thurmond.

The Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) winners were recognized at a special event in downtown Sacramento attended by the honorees, other classified school employees, superintendents, principals, and the event sponsors: the California School Employees Association, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, California State Lottery, and the California Federation of Teachers.

A selection committee evaluates the applications using eligibility criteria and performance documentation in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support from colleagues who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work, enhancement of classified school employees’ image in the community and the school, and any other areas the school deems exceptional and pertinent to the award.

For decades, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has recognized classified school employees from across the region for their commitment to providing safe, enriching environments for our students. Every year, classified employees representing all 42 county districts are invited to apply for San Diego County Classified School Employee of the Year program.