Coronado Unified School District Honors Classified Employees

Award recipients celebrated for their dedication and service to the Coronado community.

News Summary

On April 17, 2025, the Coronado Unified School District held a board meeting to honor the 2024 Classified Employees of the Year and recognize the challenges faced by the community. The meeting included acknowledgments of outstanding contributions from staff, a moment of reflection for a lost student, and discussions on military children’s experiences. Board members also addressed future initiatives, including the establishment of a Facilities Advisory Committee and upcoming policy revisions, all while emphasizing the importance of community support during difficult times.

Coronado Celebrates Classified Employees of the Year at Board Meeting

On April 17, 2025, the Coronado Unified School District held a heartwarming board meeting that not only celebrated outstanding employees but also acknowledged a profound loss within the community. This year, the district proudly honored the 2024 Classified Employees of the Year, shining a spotlight on six exemplary individuals who truly represent the spirit of the district.

Recognizing Exceptional Contributions

The board room buzzed with applause and cheers as each award recipient was recognized for their hard work and dedication. The honorees included Kodie Englehart from Coronado Middle School, Kelley Englehart from the District Office, Kathy Wood from Village Elementary, and Linda Kirk from Coronado High School, who also earned the title of District Classified Employee of the Year. Additionally, Beth Linde from Silver Strand Elementary and Rudy Alcantara from Maintenance & Operations were also honored for their exceptional service, although Alcantara was not present for the photo.

A Moment of Reflection

The evening took a solemn turn as board president Palacios-Peters reconvened the meeting with a touching moment of silence for a seventh-grade student who had tragically passed away the weekend prior. It was a reminder of the strength and resilience of the community and of the importance of supporting one another during difficult times. Palacios-Peters expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the district’s crisis response team for their invaluable support to students and staff in navigating their grief.

Celebrating Military Children

Adding a special touch to the meeting, the district also highlighted April as the Month of the Military Child. Two courageous students from Coronado Middle School shared their experiences living as military children, discussing the challenges they face with frequent school changes and how events like military-themed spirit weeks help them feel connected and supported.

Looking Ahead

The board unanimously approved essential agenda items, including the annual declaration of need for highly qualified educators for the upcoming school year 2025-2026. In a show of support for educators, Kathleen Cotten, a beloved CMS educator, was approved for participation in the Early Retirement Reduced Workload Program for the same school year.

New Committees and Concerns

In an effort to address ongoing facilities needs, a Facilities Advisory Committee was established with eight approved applicants to serve a two-year term starting April 1, 2025. Meanwhile, Jennifer Landry, President of the Association of Coronado Teachers, brought attention to upcoming school events, along with concerns regarding staffing and budgetary issues that need to be tackled head-on.

Policy Revisions and Future Meetings

Superintendent Mueller discussed the contract process for services that could potentially lead to litigation. He proposed a new agenda protocol for future meetings, aiming for more streamlined discussions. Trustees also initiated conversations about necessary board policy revisions, ensuring that specific policies will be addressed in upcoming meetings.

Community Support is Key

Following the public agenda, trustees took turns reflecting on the past week’s tragedy, emphasizing the importance of community support during such tough times. The district’s commitment to healing and unity shines bright.

Save the Date!

For those interested in staying connected, the next board meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the District Office Board Room. It promises to be another important gathering for the Coronado community.