News Details

SUNNYVALE, CA — Sunnyvale School District has honored three employees whose work and service have made a lasting impact on students, families and school communities across the district, recognizing Héctor González Rodas, Mary Malcolm and Nicole Fiala as its 2025-26 Employees of the Year during a special Board of Education meeting on May 5.

The annual recognition highlights the essential role employees play in supporting students, strengthening school communities and advancing the district’s mission across Sunnyvale School District.

González Rodas, a fifth-grade teacher in the Juntos Spanish-English Dual Immersion Program, and Fiala, assistant principal, both from San Miguel Elementary School, were named Teacher of the Year and Management Team Member of the Year, respectively. Malcolm, a School Administrative Assistant II at Cumberland Elementary School, was recognized as the district’s Classified Employee of the Year.

“These employees represent the steady dedication and commitment that help schools thrive,” Board President Peggy Shen Brewster said. “The kindness, care and support they show students and families each day make a difference that reaches far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for their service and congratulate Hector, Mary and Nicole on this well-earned recognition.”

At San Miguel Elementary School, González Rodas was recognized for supporting bilingualism, biliteracy and cultural competency, as well as fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for all students, while Fiala was honored for her leadership and commitment to supporting students, staff and families while helping cultivate a collaborative and inclusive school community.

At Cumberland Elementary School, Malcolm plays a critical role in supporting students, staff and families through the daily coordination and operations that help keep the school running smoothly. As a School Administrative Assistant II, she supports a wide range of campus needs and serves as a key point of connection for the school community.

Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., Board President Shen Brewster, Board Vice President Isabel Jubes-Flamerich, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Information Systems Jeremy Nishihara, Sunnyvale Education Association President Wendi Smith and California School Employees Association President Oscar Jauregui visited campuses during Employee Appreciation Week on May 6 to thank teachers and staff across the Sunnyvale community, as school sites marked the week in their own ways.

Students, staff, school leadership teams, and parent groups and school support organizations shared their appreciation through decorations, themed celebrations, cards, flowers, treats, and catered or community-provided meals, with some campuses hosting weeklong festivities in recognition of staff contributions throughout the school year.

“Our District Employees of the Year reflect the dedication and care demonstrated by staff across Sunnyvale School District,” Superintendent Crosthwaite said. “Our schools are shaped by the people who show up each day in service of students, families and one another, and their work continues to strengthen our school communities in meaningful and lasting ways that shape the experiences of every student we serve.”

Photo Captions:

SESD_1: Sunnyvale School District Board of Education, Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., San Miguel Elementary School Teacher of the Year Héctor González Rodas, Management Team Member of the Year Nicole Fiala and members of the school community celebrate the honorees during a special board meeting on May 5.

SESD_2: Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., Board President Shen Brewster, Board Vice President Isabel Jubes-Flamerich, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Information Systems Jeremy Nishihara, Sunnyvale Education Association President Wendi Smith and California School Employees Association President Oscar Jauregui recognized Mary Malcolm, School Administrative Assistant II at Cumberland Elementary School, during Employee Appreciation Week on May 6.