The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services that complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Ed Curtin, a Custodian at the Leo A. Palmiter High School campus, was nominated by Principal Diana Mickela and the staff of Palmiter High School for his contributions to the Special Education/ Special Services Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. In a letter recently submitted and signed by the entire Palmiter staff, Mr. Curtin was praised for organizing his workload “in such a way that time and money are effectively” utilized. He communicates respectfully “with students, teachers and staff. He is able to create solutions [in a short amount of time] to problems that seem insolvable… He models a strong work ethic and is able to effectively interact with students on work projects by patiently demonstrating and modeling the appropriate skills for each project and following through with the completed task.” His colleagues consider him “an integral part of the Palmiter team” and a “very strong student advocate… He is genuinely interested in the welfare of those on campus, including students, staff and visitors, by providing a safe and secure school environment, and is considered by all to be the consummate team player.” Mr. Curtin has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January, 1995.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Stephen Gaskill, an ED Teacher, was nominated by Principal Diana Mickela for his contributions to the Special Education/Special Services Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Gaskill is a teacher of 11th grade students with emotional disabilities at SCOE's Leo A. Palmiter High School campus. Mr. Gaskill works as part of a teaching team with another instructor, teaching all academic content areas required by the state as well as supporting his students in learning employability skills to assist them in becoming productive and effective citizens. In addition to his commitment to teaching, Mr. Gaskill has served on various committees as a participant or chair. He has been teacher-in-charge and has coordinated the school’s state-required proficiency, STAR, and English testing. He participated in the Countywide Curriculum Committee and chaired the Technology and Science Committees. He has recently assumed responsibility for designing a new computer system that will enable staff to submit MediCal billing reports. According to his supervisor, Mr. Gaskill “has brought many talents to Leo A. Palmiter ED programs … and is part of a great staff.” Mr. Gaskill has been employed by SCOE since July, 1993.