The District’s Employees of the Month for September 2024 were highlighted during the September 24, 2024 Board of Education meeting.
The Certificated Employee of the Month is Andrea Yepiz, Behavior Analyst, Special Education Department.
The Classified Employee of the Month is Kathleen Gil, Facilities Planning Technician, Facilities & Governmental Relations Department.
Congratulations to both! Learn more about them here, in the remarks that were read aloud during the Board meeting.
Andrea Yepiz - Behavior Analyst, Special Education Department
Good evening Superintendent Almendarez, Members of the Board, Members of the Cabinet, Ladies, and Gentlemen:
With great pleasure and pride, I present Ms. Andrea Yepiz, Behavior Analyst – at the Special Education Department as the September 2024 Certificated Employee of the Month.
We are honored to recognize Andrea Yepiz as the Certificated Employee of the Month.
Her unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion in supporting our students, staff, and our behavior support team have truly made a remarkable impact.
She not only brings innovative strategies to our team but also serves as a mentor and guide for our behavior support providers and a valuable resource to our school teams, ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and encouragement they need to excel in their roles and to support our students.
Her ability to navigate complex situations with grace and professionalism sets a standard for all of us, and her passion for creating positive change in our district is inspiring.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team, and she is truly deserving of this recognition.
Kathleen Gil - Facilities Planning Technician, Facilities & Governmental Relations Department
I am Jeremy Cogan, Director of Facilities Planning, and it is with great pride that I stand before you today to recognize Kathleen Gil as the September 2024 Classified Employee of the Month. Kathleen’s dedication to her role as a Facilities Planning Technician within our district is truly exceptional, and her contributions have had a profound impact on our entire team.
Kathleen has been with Santa Ana Unified for 10 years, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for the past six and a half. During that time, she has consistently and reliably managed many vital functions of our district’s facilities team, demonstrating remarkable initiative and effort along the way. She oversees our Facilities Enhancement Request system, managing hundreds of upgrade projects annually, while also playing a critical role in administering Developer Fee collections, studies, and reports to ensure SAUSD receives its fair share of funds for school improvements. Additionally, Kathleen supports key areas such as enrollment projections, student attendance maps and street data, school capacity and drawings, and budget and schedule tracking. Her steadfast support ensures that our district remains fiscally responsible, as well as organizationally efficient and effective.
Kathleen’s ability to build and maintain positive relationships is another of her standout qualities. Her deep understanding of community needs, coupled with her talent for fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, has earned her the trust and respect of colleagues across the district. Whether delivering presentations, guiding discussions at school sites, or coordinating with other departments, Kathleen’s efforts in communication make a significant difference. Her meticulous work and ability to adapt seamlessly to various roles within our department have made her an invaluable asset.
Kathleen has also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth, consistently embracing new challenges with a positive and proactive mindset. I observed her perseverance as she completed her bachelor’s degree in the evenings and free time. I witnessed her curiosity as she delved deeper into every facility's topic. This past year, Kathleen was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants to participate in a Statewide School Facilities Leadership Academy. Balancing the demands of this prestigious program with her existing responsibilities, Kathleen has excelled in her role, showcasing her dedication, reliability, and a strong drive for continuous improvement.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kathleen is a person of great integrity and kindness. She is consistently seen as trustworthy, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile for her team and the students we serve. It is no surprise that Kathleen has been recognized by her peers and leadership as someone who embodies the values of our district.
For all these reasons, I am honored to present Kathleen Gil as the September 2024 Classified Employee of the Month. Her contributions to our department and the entire Santa Ana Unified School District are deeply appreciated, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.
