Downey Unified honors its longtime staff members

Longtime Downey Unified staff members were honored recently. Photos courtesy DUSD

DOWNEY -- At the Downey Unified Personnel Commission meeting on May 23, recognition was given to eight retirees and 131 classified (non-teaching support staff) employees, honoring them for their years of service to the Downey Unified School District.  

In attendance to congratulate each of the recipients and thank them for their service were Personnel Commissioners John Kennedy and Angie Rademaker; Board of Education members Tod Corrin, Donald LaPlante, D. Mark Morris, Bobbie Samperi, and Nancy Swenson; and Superintendent Dr. John Garcia.

Employees were honored in five-year increments from five years to 35 years of service.  Forty employees were recognized at the five-years of service increment, 25 at 10 years of service, 25 at 15 years of service, 21 at 20 years of service, 11 at 25 years of service, four at 30 years of service and five at 35 years of service.

Included in the recipients who received recognition for years of service was Board of Education Clerk Donald LaPlante and member D. Mark Morris who were recognized for 35 years of service to the Downey Unified School District.  

Those recognized for their 35 years of service, joining two of the Downey Unified Board of Education members with the highest increment recognized this year, include Beatrice Jojola, Pamela Martinez and Sharon Newberg. 

The eight classified employees who will be moving on to retirement are Constance Caddell (seven years of service), Beverly Fox (20 years of service), Lupe Gutierrez (27 years of service), Allan Harrod (19 years of service), Craig Lackey (28 years of service), Berry Jean Lukas (33 years of service), Patricia Strang (15 years of service) and Donna Villalobos (nine years of service).

In all, the employees recognized represented over 1,973 total years of service to Downey Unified students.