The San Juan Unified 2026 Classified Employees of the Year pose with their certificates of recognition. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – San Juan Unified School District is honored to announce the 2026 Classified Employees of the Year. These outstanding staff members were nominated by our San Juan Unified community for their incredible contributions in supporting the success of our students.

Debbie Armstrong, Nutrition Services Cook at Del Campo High School: Armstrong’s dedication to student wellness and nutrition at Del Campo High School is seen in everything she does. As a cook, she consistently finds ways to improve and innovate, ensuring students have access to meals that support their health and success. Her genuine care for students shines through in the pride she takes in her work each day.

William Dreifus, Technology Support Specialist for Technology Services: Since 2017, Dreifus has played an integral role in supporting requests submitted to Technology Services. His consistent reliability and responsiveness have earned the trust of San Juan Unified staff, who often refer to him as their “go-to” resource for technical support.

Joseph Lausmann, Operations Technician for Transportation: Lausmann’s commitment to service during these past nine years has made a lasting impact across San Juan Unified. As his nominator shared, “When he first started at transportation, he was outstanding when caring for students with special needs, not just driving them, but truly taking care of them.” 

Cortney Lloret, Instructional Assistant, Alternative Learning Center at Meraki High School: Lloret brings professionalism, positivity and exceptional skill to her role as an instructional assistant at Meraki High School. Widely recognized as the organizational backbone of the school, she keeps complex projects, calendars and daily logistics running smoothly while anticipating the needs of both students and staff. 

Mikalai Lutsyk, Lead Custodian at Grand Oaks Elementary School: Lutsyk has served as lead custodian for seven years and is widely recognized for his strong work ethic, professionalism and deep pride in his school community. Known for his kindness and steady presence, he manages daily requests with efficiency, a positive attitude and a gentle sense of humor, even during unexpected challenges.

Omar Marroquin, School Community Specialist at Encina High School: For nearly a decade at Encina High School, Marroquin has served as a dedicated school community specialist, building strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff and families. In addition to his role supporting the school community, he coaches five different sports throughout the year, further deepening his connection with students both in and out of the classroom.

Peter McGuinness, Lead Electrician for Maintenance and Operations: For more than 16 years, McGuinness has been a dependable and highly skilled member of San Juan Unified’s Maintenance and Operations team. As lead electrician, he brings deep technical expertise, steady leadership and a consistent positive attitude to his work each day

Joanne McLaughlin Strauch, Site Secretary at Earl LeGette Elementary School, Jamileh Piran, Health Instructional Assistant for Health Services: Strauch is a valued member of the Earl LeGette Elementary School community, known for her exceptional work performance, leadership and dedication to students, families and staff. Her contributions have made a meaningful impact at her school site and across San Juan Unified.

Jamileh Piran, Health Instructional Assistant for Health Services: Each day, Piran makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families at the Ralph Richardson Center. Her dedication and compassion are especially impactful for families of students with severe disabilities who are new to the school and often new to the country.