On February 5, 2026, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) proudly unveiled its 2025-2026 Employees of the Year. These nine outstanding individuals were nominated by their colleagues or supervisors, who highlighted the exceptional contributions they make to the district, going above and beyond in their roles. Each nominee was also recognized for embodying the district’s four core values: excellence, collaboration, integrity, and innovation.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s exceptional Employees of the Year. Their remarkable dedication to student success and steadfast service to our community truly embody the core values of our district,” shared Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. “Experiencing our ‘Prize Patrol’ celebration for the first time, surprising our honorees and celebrating alongside their families, friends, and colleagues, was incredibly meaningful and joyful, and has quickly become one of my favorite PYLUSD traditions.”
Continuing a proud district tradition, PYLUSD surprised each Employee of the Year at their school site or department with a special celebration. On February 5, members of the district’s executive leadership team, along with the Presidents of the Association of Placentia-Linda Educators (APLE) and California School Employees Association (CSEA), hit the road for the much-anticipated “Prize Patrol.” This year’s honorees are:
Certificated
Rebecca Bonet
Valencia High School
Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Rasic
Golden Elementary School
Teacher of the Year
April Treece
Valadez Middle School Academy
Teacher of the Year
Classified
Jeanette Besheer-Hogan
Library/Media Technician
Kraemer Middle School
Classified Employee of the Year
Jennifer Gathright
Clerk
Fairmont Elementary School
Classified Employee of the Year
Jennifer Terry
Child Development Preschool Educator
Linda Vista Elementary School
Classified Employee of the Year
Management
Sarah Barton
Principal
Tuffree Middle School
Certificated Manager of the Year
Tonya Gordillo
Assistant Director
Student Services Department
Certificated Manager of the Year
Maria Montalvo
School Psychologist
Valencia High School
Certificated Manager of the Year
To commemorate their achievement, honorees received a check courtesy of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and a commemorative plaque from the district. We extend our sincere thanks to SchoolsFirst for their continued partnership and support.
The district also expresses its deep appreciation to all Employee of the Year nominees. Your dedication and hard work in preparing every PYLUSD student for success are truly valued and recognized. Selecting just a few honorees from our exceptional and compassionate staff is a challenge each year.
Stay tuned for photos and videos of this year’s “Prize Patrol” celebrations on the district’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (FKA Twitter), and YouTube in the near future.
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