ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove Unified School District proudly recognizes its 2025-2026 Employees of the Year: 11 outstanding staff members whose commitment, leadership and service continue to make a lasting difference for students, families and colleagues across the district.

Selected by their peers, these honorees embody excellence in education and reflect EGUSD’s mission of preparing every student for success in college, career and life. The Employees of the Year were formally honored at the May 19 Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Education meeting.

The 2025-26 Employees of the Year for the Elk Grove Unified School District are:

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) - Mark Maroney, Lead Custodian I (C.W. Dillard Elementary School)

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) - Louie Nabhani, Bus Driver Instructor (Transportation)

California School Employees Association (CSEA) - Anna Canaday, Health Assistant II (Student Support and Health Services)

Elk Grove Education Association (EGEA) - Jennifer (Jenny) Smith, Resource Teacher K-6 (Family & Community Engagement)

Teachers of the Year

Elk Grove Education Association (EGEA *2027) - Diana Yanez Pittenger, 4th Grade Classroom Teacher (Barbara Comstock Morse Elementary School); Amanda Holder, AVID & Academic Strategies Teacher (Toby Johnson Middle School)

EGSCE Confidential/Supervisory Category - Brandon McConnell, Safety & Security Manager II (Safety & Security)

EGAT Management Category - Alicia Canning, Program Specialist (School Improvement Support)

EGTEAMS Administrative Support Category - Kimberly Hawkins, Elementary School Secretary (Elitha Donner Elementary School)

National United Health Workers (NUHW) - Kimberly McVean, Occupational Therapist (Special Education)

Psychologists’ And Social Workers’ Association (PSWA) - Liana Wright, Psychologist (Student Support & Health Services)