ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) has announced its 2024-2025 Employees of the Year, honoring 11 staff members for their outstanding contributions to education and student success. Selected by their peers, the recipients will be formally recognized at an upcoming EGUSD Board of Education meeting.

Representing a range of departments and roles, the honorees were chosen for their dedication, professionalism and alignment with the district’s mission to prepare all students for success in college, career and life.

Sarah Kimura, a library technician at Elk Grove High School, was recognized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Kevin Nguyen, a scheduling technician in the Transportation Department, was named Employee of the Year by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). The California School Employees Association (CSEA) selected Marissa Wimbley, a health assistant with Student Support and Health Services.

Ellen Byron, an instructional coach at T.R. Smedberg Middle School, was recognized by the Elk Grove Education Association (EGEA). The district also named its Teachers of the Year, with honors going to Bethany Hancock, a third-grade teacher at Elk Grove Elementary; and Steven Ramsay, a high school physics teacher at Laguna Creek High School. Both are part of the EGEA 2026 cohort.

From the Elk Grove Team for Education/Administrative Management and Support (EGTEAMS), three individuals were honored: Todd Barber, director of Technology Services, in the Confidential/Supervisory category; Robin Riley, principal of Joseph Sims Elementary, in the Management category; and Yvette Buggs, school secretary at Irene B. West Elementary, in the Administrative Support category.

Corri Chadwick, a mental health therapist with Student Support and Health Services, was recognized by the National United Health Workers (NUHW). 

Christina Smith, a psychologist also with Student Support and Health Services, was named Employee of the Year by the Psychologists’ and Social Workers’ Association (PSWA).

These awards reflect EGUSD’s appreciation for the educators, specialists and support staff who help sustain a strong, student-centered learning environment throughout the district.