Downey Unified bus driver named State Classified Employee of the Year

Photo Courtesy of Downey Unified School District

DOWNEY – On Tuesday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson honored six outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s public-school students.  

Among those six individuals honored, Downey Unified’s own Loyjean Estrada was awarded this recognition for the dedication she has shown towards students since beginning her career with Downey Unified.

“In light of recent events, school climate and a nurturing environment for students are more important than ever. These outstanding employees play critical roles in creating that environment,” Torlakson said. 

“They are dedicated and strive for excellence. It’s the same whether they’re serving healthy meals, driving the school bus, keeping a campus safe, or checking transcripts to make sure students are on pace to graduate. I applaud their fantastic work in helping students realize their full potential.”

Loyjean Estrada has worked in the Transportation Department as a bus driver for Downey Unified for the past 13 years. 

The following statements were used to describe her during the announcement that was made on Tuesday: 

“Estrada’s dedication to her students shines through. School staff, parents, fellow drivers, and teachers all compliment her professionalism, attitude and kindness towards her students. She takes special care to find out about any issues or accommodations students with special needs and disabilities may require. She treats her co-workers like a second family, always energetic and caring. It takes a special person to handle the daily technical tasks of operating a school bus, dealing with traffic in and outside of school grounds and still keeping a smile and pleasant demeanor.”

The annual program honors six outstanding classified school employees from the following categories: Child Nutrition; Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities; Office and Technical Support; Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance; Support Services and Security; and Transportation. 

This year’s recipients were chosen from more than 100 nominations statewide.

The 2018 Classified School Employees of the Year will be honored by Torlakson at a luncheon in Sacramento on May 24.

Next month is California’s Classified School Employee Week, established as an official week of statewide recognition in 1986 through Senate Bill 1552, which will be celebrated from May 21–25.