The Poway Unified School District is proud to announce that Bridgette Padilla, Sunset Hills Elementary School Administrative Assistant, and Linda Farmer, Finance Department Budget Analyst, have been chosen as the Poway Unified School District Classified Employees of the Year for 2017.
A committee of district and site representatives selected the two District Classified Employees of the Year (one representing school sites and one representing district departments) based on work performance, contributions to the school district, and community service.
The San Diego County Office of Education also sponsors a Classified Employee Recognition Program, honoring up to six members of the classified service for all of San Diego County.
This year’s Poway Unified nomination for the county-wide recognition is Bridgette Padilla.
2017 Classified of Year
Bridgette Padilla Administrative Assistant, Sunset Hills Elementary School
Bridgette is Sunset Hills’ biggest fan and cheerleader. She encourages everyone to adopt the No Excuses philosophy and truly believes in Universal Achievement for all students. She does whatever it takes to ensure that all staff has access to tools to make a difference in a child’s life. For example, she keeps her cell phone on her 24/7 to help teachers in finding substitutes for last minute emergencies. She assists staff and PTA/ Foundation/ Dad’s Club leaders to ensure that all of their events and extracurricular activities go through without a glitch.
Bridgette is a role model and leads the office staff. She develops effective systems to handle all of the numerous duties that need to be accomplished, on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Her calm demeanor and the way she treats people in all situations is commendable. Bridgette was selected to be on a district-wide team to look at the role of the Administrative Assistant at the elementary level. She also represents the classified staff on the Sunset Hills Foundation and is always available to answer any questions regarding correct forms and reports.
Her encouragement and enthusiasm to promote a positive school culture goes beyond her job performance. She is often seen giving positive “Character Cards” and “Caught Being TRRFFC Slips” for students and classrooms that are showing good character.
Linda Farmer, Budget Analyst, Finance
Linda’s colleagues describe her as very helpful, knowledgeable, and committed. She is always willing to assist her coworkers. When the PeopleSoft software was implemented in the District, Linda was at the forefront during the numerous PeopleSoft trainings and was instrumental in developing a training package and conducting a District intro training for sites and non-finance personnel.
She loves providing assistance when schools and departments have budget questions. Principals are impressed with Linda’s outstanding customer service. Linda is a great resource of information regarding Attendance, Instructional Minutes, Budget and PeopleSoft. She has also done an excellent job in reviewing requisitions for unnecessary expenditures.
Linda is also committed to giving back to the community through her involvement in numerous organizations. Linda spent 6 years on the Board for the Poway School Employees Association as Vice President representing classified staff. She volunteers for the Escondido Humane Society and at Lions, Tigers, and Bears East County. Linda and her Mom commit random acts of kindness whenever they find military, police or fire personnel in uniform by buying their meals. From Poway High Marching Band to Girls Softball to Sunday School, Linda has been a familiar face, selflessly giving her time.
