AT A GLANCE: 

~EUSD Vision~

Ignite the Limitless Potential of All Learners.

 

Dear School District Community,

It is with great pride and gratitude that I share the celebration of our Employees of the Year, an honor made even more meaningful by the process behind it. These individuals were nominated and selected by their peers, a testament to the respect and admiration they have earned from those who know their work best.

In a district filled with exceptionally talented and dedicated professionals, standing out is no small achievement. Our honorees have risen to the top in a community defined by excellence, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to students.

At the same time, this recognition reflects something even greater: the collective strength of our entire staff. Every employee in our district contributes to the success we see across our schools. Whether in classrooms, offices, or support roles, each person plays a vital part in creating the positive experiences our students and families rely on every day.

This is evident not only in the achievements within our schools, but also in the feedback we consistently hear. Through surveys and in my personal interactions with community members, the respect and admiration for our teachers and staff is both profound and inspiring.

We are honored and excited to recognize this year’s outstanding employees. Please join me in celebrating these incredible individuals and in thanking all of our staff for the remarkable work they do every day.

Warmly,

Andrée Grey, Ed.D.
Superintendent

 

EUSD Teacher of the Year
Katie Andan
LCH 5th Grade 

EUSD Classified Emp. of the Year
Carlos Alavarez
Central Kitchen Lead CNS

EUSD Administrator of the Year
Erin Terry
Park Dale Lane Principal

Teacher of the Year
Sabrina Santolalla
5th/6th Grade Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Dolores Canseco 
Instructional Assistant

SDCOE Biliteracy Honoree
Meghan Ling
Kindergarten DLI Teacher

Teacher of the Year
Kristie Mahin
1st Grade Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Amber Zollar
Health Tech

Teacher of the Year
Hanna Byrne 
6th Grade Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Tatyana Timofeyeva
Night Custodian

Teacher of the Year 
Katie Andan
5th Grade Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Lori Merk
Health Tech

Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Becher
STEM Enrichment Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Susy Miranda
Community Liaison 

Teacher of the Year
Ricky Ruiz
English Language Development 

Classified Employee of the Year
Hari Jot Khasla-Rhodes
Farm Manager/Instructional Assistant

Teacher of the Year
Heidi Martin
4th Grade Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Jose Andrade
Lead Site Custodian

Teacher of the Year
Samantha Kerr
Special Day Class Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Molly Gorman
Health Tech

EUSD Administrator of the Year
Erin Terry
PDL Principal

Teacher of the Year
Erica Bulis
3rd Grade DLI Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Larry Morales
Lead Site Custodian

SDCOE Biliteracy Honoree
Leslie Talcove
2nd Grade DLI Teacher

Classified Employee of the Year
Carlos Alvarez
Central Kitchen Lead CNS

Classified Employee of the Year
Louise Balitaan
Accounting Technician

Certificated Employee of the Year
Chelsea Fessenden
Behavior Specialist

 

The updates listed below were presented at the EUSD Board of Trustees meeting held on April 14, 2026:

La Costa Heights principal Heidi Galassi was joined by students at the April board meeting to highlight the impact of student-led clubs. Students have taken initiative by identifying their interests and creating clubs that foster connection and belonging among peers, including a crochet club, chess club, lunch and lead club, theater club, and smoothie love club. These student efforts reflect a culture of joy while providing meaningful opportunities for students to grow as empowered learners, confident collaborators, wellness advocates, and skilled communicators.

 

At Capri, our youngest learners are making a real impact on campus as global citizens. Kindergarten students have been exploring the importance of water conservation and protecting our oceans through an engaging, hands-on learning unit. After reading the book “All the Way to the Ocean", students discovered how storm drains connect to the ocean and how everyday actions, like littering, can affect marine life. 

Thanks to Ms. Jois’ grant application through the Leucadia Wastewater District (LWWD), students extended their learning in a meaningful way by planting greenery near campus storm drains to help prevent debris from entering our waterways. Through this work, they demonstrated what it means to be an empowered learner, applying their knowledge to create real-world solutions that support a healthier environment.

In partnership with LWWD, students created a student-led video where they proudly share their learning and encourage our community to do their part in taking care of the environment. Their message is simple and clear: “We can make a big difference.” It’s been exciting to see our students take ownership of their learning and share it with others in such a meaningful way. Enjoy the video! 

 

Encinitas Advocate

Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School held its first-ever Science and Engineering fair, part of a campus celebration of STREAM Week, March 9-13.

The Encinitas Union School District school’s multi-purpose room was filled with 100 student projects, all done voluntarily by kindergarten through sixth grade student scientists, working alone or in pairs. The students got a chance to show off their innovative thinking and communication skills by presenting to a panel of judges that included parent and grandparent volunteers, retired teachers, and even Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers, who has an engineering background.

 

Farm Lab News

Check out the most recent edition of Farm Lab News, highlighting Salad Wars, strawberry harvesting, and workshops happening in the nutrition science lab! 

 

Encinitas Global Citizens in action! Learn how EUSD students are taking the lead in reducing waste, preventing pollution, and caring for the health of our planet! Join us on May 6 at the EUSD Farm Lab from 5:00-6:00 pm. 

Join us online for the EUSD Virtual Community Resource Fair! Learn about community organizations that are providing support, education, enrichment, and wellness for EUSD families. Explore online at your convenience from May 4 - May 8 at  https://tinyurl.com/bdfjm97b

Bring the joy of music to our EUSD School Choirs. Apply now to be one of the following:

After School Choir Lead: Click here to apply
- $1,000 Stipend Per Session (Spring & Fall)
- Up to 3 hours a week, including once-a-week rehearsals + performances and team meetings.

After School Choir Assistant: Click here to apply
- $550 Stipend Per Session (Spring & Fall)
- 1.25 hour rehearsal per week + performances and team meetings.

Positions open at Capri, La Costa Heights, Mission Estancia, Ocean Knoll, Olivenhain Pioneer, and Park Dale Lane

For more information contact:  leslie.wright@eusd.net

 

JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO SHARE IN OUR STUDENT AND STAFF STORIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

   ENCINITAS UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT  |  101 S. RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD, ENCINITAS, CA  92024