Campbell Union High School District
3235 Union Avenue
San Jose, CA 95124
http://www.cuhsd.org
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2023
Contact: Sergio Diaz Luna
Coordinator of Communications and Community Engagement
(408) 644-2557
Campbell Union High School District mechanic named as state’s Classified School Employee of the Year
SAN JOSE, California - State Superintendent Tony Thurmond announced the 2023 California Classified School Employees of the Year - including Jose “JR” Gudino, a bus mechanic from Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD). Jose won the award for top classified employee in the Skilled Trades Services category.
This distinction is only the second time in history that a classified employee in Santa Clara County is recognized by the California Department of Education since the award program began in 2008.
JR has been with CUHSD for over a decade and has demonstrated a dedication to excellence that sets him apart. He maintains district buses that provide transportation for all students with disabilities in the district and also maintains the district's fleet of vehicles to ensure the food services and facilities team operations run smoothly.
"Families don’t always get to see behind the curtain and learn about the work of our employees like JR,” said Superintendent Robert Bravo. “Jose’s recognition by the state exemplifies the quality of service that JR provides and how our classified employees have helped us keep smooth school operations over the last few years.”
JR's ingenuity was shown during a burglary that resulted in several buses being rendered inoperable due to stolen batteries. He went above and beyond to ensure that parts were sourced and installed over a weekend so that students would be transported to school on time and without interruption to family routines.
The annual Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) program honors outstanding classified school employees in the following categories: Paraprofessional Services, Clerical and Administrative Services, Transportation Services, Food and Nutrition Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Security Services, Health and Student Services, Technical Services, and Skilled Trades Services.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to these outstanding employees for going the extra mile to step up and support California’s students so they can continue to learn,” shared Thurmond in a statement. “These dedicated employees make sure kids have healthy meals, safe campuses and transportation, and systems and supports during difficult and unexpected changes—ensuring all students are supported in their lives and in their education.”
Jose will join 9 other honorees and will be recognized by Superintendent Thurmond at the Classified School Employees of the Year luncheon on May 23. The CUHSD community thanks Jose Gudino for his years of dedicated service and congratulates him on being named the Classified Employee of the Year.
Jose FR Gudino
Mechanic
Campbell Union High School District
11 years of service
Jose Gudino works exceptionally with the team of drivers in the Campbell Union High School District. Gudino maintains all of the district buses, which provide transportation for all of its students with disabilities. Gudino also maintains the district’s white fleet of vehicles to ensure food services and facilities team operations run smoothly. Gudino is always the first into the maintenance yard to ensure that all the vehicles start and are safe to board for students and safe to operate by drivers. He is also involved in district planning for new electric buses. His eagerness to contribute to all aspects of the team reinforces that he is the best person to be trained in the maintenance of Campbell Union’s new fleet of electric buses.