Our 2025 Honorees

Classified Employee of the Year

Madelynn “Maddie” Knust is the kind of behind-the-scenes force that turns good events into unforgettable ones. As an Events Technician with the Office of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Maddie has become known across the organization as the go-to person for all things related to registration, logistics, and troubleshooting. What truly sets her apart is her mindset: every detail matters, every person deserves support, and every challenge is an opportunity to make things better.

Maddie approaches every event with thoughtfulness and intention. She reviews every Bizzabo setup with the eye of a registrant, spotting inconsistencies or gaps before they become problems. Maddie doesn’t just fix issues, she teaches others how to avoid them. Whether she’s training colleagues or offering feedback to improve processes, she does so with a spirit of teamwork.

What makes Maddie especially remarkable is her ability to anticipate needs before they are ever spoken. She shows up prepared, not just with tape and pliers, but with insight, compassion, and a genuine desire to help.

Maddie may not seek the spotlight, but her work shines in every event she touches. Her dedication, foresight, and professionalism make her a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Classified Employee of the Year award.

Site Support Employee of the Year

Ernesto Garcia is the kind of colleague every workplace hopes for, dependable, kind, and quietly exceptional. As a Maintenance Worker at the Brooks P. Coleman building, Ernesto brings more than technical skill to his role. He brings an unwavering commitment to service and an authentic pride in every task he takes on.

Whether it’s repairing drywall, painting with care, or resolving last-minute issues before a major event, Ernesto never waits to be asked. He sees what needs to be done and does it, often going above and beyond in ways that others might overlook.

What sets Ernesto apart is not just his strong work ethic, but the respect and goodwill he builds wherever he goes. Staff across multiple buildings often mention how helpful and approachable he is. Presenters and visitors alike recall how he paused what he was doing to assist with equipment, carry materials, or offer directions, all while remaining courteous and cheerful. His presence brings reassurance and reliability, traits that make him indispensable to both operations and morale.

Ernesto’s pride in his work, his constant pursuit of excellence, and his humble, can-do spirit embody the best of RCOE. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but those who work alongside him know the vital role he plays.

Teacher of the Year

Nicholis Kalantar is more than a teacher, he’s a mentor, a filmmaker, a creative architect, and a builder of futures. Nicholis leads the Digital Photography and Film Production pathways with passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student growth. His classroom is not just a place to learn about cameras or editing, it’s a launchpad for self-expression, leadership, and life-changing experiences.

Nicholis has developed a comprehensive and dynamic Career Technical Education (CTE) program that rivals college-level media studies. Under his guidance, students don’t just complete assignments, they produce full-length documentaries, live stream festivals, create public service campaigns, and manage event coverage for the community.

What makes Nicholis truly exceptional is how he fosters a sense of belonging. He invests in students not just as learners, but as individuals with stories to tell. Whether it’s through the Patriot Press daily news, the Media Arts Festival, or mentoring a student who finds their voice behind a lens, Nicholis makes every student feel seen and capable. He also encourages civic engagement, with students covering community events and contributing to causes like mental health awareness and food drives.

Nicholis teaches students how to lead, how to communicate, and how to believe in their potential. His influence is lasting, and his impact stretches far beyond the classroom walls.

Classified Administrator of the Year

Charles Viramontes leads with quiet strength and a servant’s heart. As Director II of Early Education Services, he plays a pivotal role in supporting a division that spans three major programs—Early Care and Education, Early Education Programs, and Migrant Head Start—each with unique structures, goals, and funding requirements. Despite the scale and complexity of his work, Charles remains approachable, responsive, and grounded in his commitment to people.

Charles has led key efforts to strengthen systems for staff and families alike. He worked closely with the Migrant Head Start team to improve curriculum planning and reduce administrative burden for Family Child Care providers. His process, observing, listening, problem-solving collaboratively, and providing training, ensured a successful transition that empowered staff while maintaining program quality. This is a hallmark of his leadership: balancing the human and operational needs with care and integrity.

Beyond systems and strategy, Charles is deeply embedded in the fabric of the division. His support of new managers is especially meaningful; he offers coaching, conducts training, and models how to lead with professionalism and heart. Whether navigating personnel challenges or helping a new leader write their first evaluation, Charles brings patience, clarity, and wisdom.

What sets Charles apart is his ability to bring people together. He doesn’t just respond to needs—he anticipates them, addresses them, and turns them into opportunities for growth. His humility, reliability, and deep care for others make him not just a leader, but a cornerstone of the Early Education Services division.

Certificated Administrator of the Year

Dr. Melissa Bazanos Hutton brings a rare blend of strategic vision, policy insight, and grounded leadership to her role as Executive Director of the Assessment, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement (AACI) Unit. Her work has left a transformative imprint not only at RCOE but also across the state, where she is recognized as a respected thought leader in California’s educational landscape.

Within RCOE, Melissa leads a dynamic team of professionals with a steady hand and an eye toward excellence. She coordinates support for districts undergoing Differentiated Assistance, leading root cause analyses and ensuring that district leaders are equipped with the tools and insights they need to make meaningful improvements for students. Her approach is collaborative, rooted in both expertise and humility.

Her leadership on statewide initiatives, such as the development of needs assessment tools and her advocacy for continuous improvement over compliance has improved systems and clarified practices for districts throughout California.

Those who work with her know that Melissa doesn’t seek recognition—she simply does the work. She uplifts others, navigates complexity with grace, and brings out the best in her team.

Principal of the Year

Lucie Gonzalez exemplifies compassionate leadership and professional resilience in one of the most complex educational settings: correctional and adult education. As Principal of Alternative Education at Desert Edge, Lucie oversees programs across multiple jail sites, working directly with the Riverside County Sheriff’s and Probation Departments to provide access to education for incarcerated, on parole, and probationary students. Her leadership ensures that every learner, regardless of circumstance, is treated with dignity and given the opportunity to grow.

Lucie leads with a calm, collaborative spirit. From the moment she stepped into her role, she prioritized listening and learning, giving her staff the space to share insights and shape the program together. She fosters an environment where both students and staff feel seen and supported—an achievement that is even more powerful given the challenging nature of the correctional setting.

Whether guiding her team through WASC Accreditation, mentoring new educators, or championing curriculum tailored to diverse learner needs, Lucie’s commitment never wavers.

Lucie is more than an administrator—she’s a role model, a mentor, and a catalyst for positive change. Her passion for restorative education, her steady optimism, and her unwavering support for both staff and students are what make her a truly exceptional Principal of the Year.

Milo P. Johnson Award of Distinction

As a longtime team member at RCOE, Jaymie Baiza has earned the deep respect of colleagues across the organization for her calm demeanor, sharp insight, and genuine care for others. Her approach to work is marked by humility and a deep-rooted belief that supporting others behind the scenes or face-to-face—is one of the most powerful contributions a person can make.

Jaymie is the person everyone turns to when they need clarity, consistency, or a thoughtful solution. She brings a steady hand to complex logistics, an encouraging word to new team members, and a level of professionalism that lifts the entire workplace. From mentoring incoming staff to helping navigate unfamiliar systems, Jaymie meets every challenge with grace. Her teammates describe her as the heartbeat of the office, someone who not only makes work better, but makes people better.

Through years of service, Jaymie has shown that excellence is not always loud, it’s consistent, kind, and deeply committed to the people we serve. She represents the very values that Milo P. Johnson himself embodied: integrity, dedication, and quiet but powerful leadership.