State Names Regency Park School Secretary as California 2010 Classified School Employee of the Year
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell named Cindy Mangan, School Secretary at Regency Park Elementary in the Twin Rivers Unified School District as one of California's six 2010 Classified School Employees of the Year.
The announcement culminates an extensive process involving nomination at her school site, interviews and selection at the district and county level, and selection by a panel of education judges at the State level.
"I am proud to announce the selection of six remarkable people who provide enormous support and expertise that is key to their schools' work to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap," said O'Connell. "They represent the best of California's dedicated school support community that is integral to school site operations and the success of our students."
Mangan has served area schools for more than 20 years, and helped open and grow Regency Park Elementary School over the past five years to its current size of nearly 900 students.
Regency Park Principal Michael Reed was thrilled with the announcement. "She is highly attuned to the needs of students, staff and administration and is able to keep the needs of the entire school community in the forefront of her every action and decision," said Reed. "This is why everyone who knows her and knows of the work she does at this school will often say, 'Miss' Cindy is Regency Park School."
Reed, Regency Park teachers, and district staff surprised Mangan with a reception at the school which included a bouquet of balloons with personal messages, her own personal red carpet, a tiara, and a sash reading "State Employee of the Year." Mangan will also be honored at a neighborhood schools celebration this spring, and at Board of Trustees presentation next fall. She will receive a large banner to hang outside her school campus for the next year.
Although usually not at a loss of words, Mangan was clearly touched by the surprise gathering. "I really don't know what to say. I am completely shocked and so happy," said Mangan as she thanked each attendee with a hug.
Regency Park parent Courtner Wonnacott's letter of recommendation referenced Mangan's personal touch. "Cindy takes an active interest in every face that comes through the door," read the letter. "I've wondered before how she is able to remember and invest in so many families, because she seems to know every student and every family as if they were the only family there."
Joni O'Connor, Regency Park teacher agrees. "When a new student comes to our school, Cindy personally gives them and their family a school tour and introduces them to their teacher. It is obvious that one of the aspects that Cindy enjoys about her job is working with the students. She works with all members of the community to make sure that our school is always seen positively. She is on the Leadership Team adding valuable insight into making our school the best."
Ninety-four applicants from 25 counties competed for the 2010 awards. Candidate evaluation was organized around four themes: work performance, school/community involvement, leadership and commitment, and service above and beyond.
O'Connell will formally honor the six award recipients on May 18 at a recognition luncheon he is hosting in Sacramento. The luncheon coincides with California's observation of the Classified School Employee Week, May 17-21, 2010.
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