At a reception yesterday, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon announced that Cari Wernicke has been selected as the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) 2020 Classified Employee of the Year. Wernicke is a Transition Specialist in SCOE’s Juvenile Court School Program. She will also be honored by the Sacramento County Board of Education at its May 5 meeting.
The annual SCOE Classified Employees of the Year competition pays tribute to the efforts of SCOE’s outstanding classified employees. SCOE staff from up to six categories are nominated to compete. Following paper screening and formal interviews, one employee is named the SCOE Classified Employee of the Year.
Wernicke will also compete in the “Support Services and Security” category at the county level, hoping to continue on to the California Department of Education (CDE) Classified School Employees of the Year Competition later this year. CDE recognizes classified employees who best represent California, exemplifying extraordinary contributions and a strong commitment to education.
- Previous SCOE Classified Employees of the Year are listed online.
Classified employees are vital support staff who play a key role in making schools run smoothly and work to promote student achievement, safety, and health. The SCOE employees nominated for this prestigious honor are being recognized for their ongoing and exemplary performance, contributing significantly to the success of SCOE programs, services, and special projects.
SCOE Classified Employees of the Year Competition Nominees
Child Nutrition Category
- Connie Petersen, Head Cook
Sly Park Environmental Education Center
Office/Technical Category
- Wendi Beatty, Student Information Systems Specialist
Special Education Department - Jessica Johannesen, Program Analyst
Early Learning Department
Paraprofessional Educator/Instructional Assistance Category
- Laura Villanueva-Howes, Speech, Language, Pathology Assistant
Special Education Department
Support Services and Security Category
- Heidi Powers, Physical/Occupational Therapist
Special Education Department - Cari Wernicke, Transition Specialist
Juvenile Court Schools