https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbKAcHRjZv1yZL84XRFFFhRGKAfdtKAezh6u9T08_HKN__GA/viewform
Secondary Co-Principal of the Year, Kara Ravina, Vice Principal, Bristow Middle School
Kara Ravina joined BUSD in July 2022 as Vice Principal at Bristow Middle School. Prior to BUSD, she served as a vice principal in the Mount Diablo Unified School District and taught music in both the Acalanes Union High School District and Albany Unified School District. Kara supports school-wide operations, student services, and instructional programs, bringing a strong blend of classroom experience and site leadership to her work.
Secondary Principal of the Year, Angela Mullen, Principal, Harvest Grove Virtual Academy
Angela Mullen joined BUSD in 2021 as a Teacher on Special Assignment, leading the Intervention Program at Krey Elementary. In 2023, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Krey and Marsh Creek Elementary Schools and later advanced to Principal of Harvest Grove Virtual Academy in 2024. Angela began her teaching career in 2004 out of state and brings more than two decades of educational experience to her leadership. Her commitment to innovation, student support, and instructional excellence continues to strengthen our district.
Elementary Principal of the Year, Allison Martin, Principal, Garin Elementary
Allison Martin began her BUSD career in 2002 as a teacher at Krey Elementary. She previously worked as a preschool and kindergarten teacher before transitioning into an instructional coaching role as a Teacher on Special Assignment in 2015. In 2017, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Pioneer Elementary and, in 2022, became Principal of Garin Elementary School. Allison’s experience across early learning, classroom instruction, coaching, and site leadership informs her thoughtful and effective support of students, staff, and families.
Special Education Administrator of the Year, Justine Melendez, Director of Special Education
Justine Melendez joined BUSD in 2023 as Director of Special Education. Prior to BUSD, she served with the Contra Costa SELPA as both a Program Specialist and Program Coordinator, supporting districts with compliance, staff training, and program improvement. Justine also spent nine years as a Special Day Class teacher and worked as a general education teacher, giving her a comprehensive understanding of student needs and instructional collaboration. Her leadership continues to strengthen services for students with disabilities across our district. Justine was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Elementary Co-Principal of the Year, Julie France, Vice Principal, Ron Nunn Elementary
Julie France began her career with BUSD in 2002 as a teacher at Loma Vista Elementary and later taught at Pioneer Elementary. In 2023, she was promoted to Vice Principal at Ron Nunn Elementary. Prior to joining BUSD, Julie taught in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Her deep instructional background, institutional knowledge, and commitment to students and staff continue to positively impact the Ron Nunn school community. Julie was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient.
Confidential Employee of the Year, Emily Cooper, Recruitment Specialist, Human Resources
Emily Cooper joined BUSD in December 2021 as a Secretary II in Human Resources and was promoted to Employee Recruitment Specialist in January 2023. In her current role, she coordinates recruitment and onboarding for both certificated and classified staff, ensuring clear communication and a positive experience for applicants and school sites. Prior to BUSD, Emily worked in the Liberty Union High School District as Principal Secretary at Heritage High School. Her organization, consistency, and professionalism have significantly strengthened our recruitment processes. Emily was also selected for future consideration as a Region 6 Award recipient representing all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Through our partnership with Brigaid and the guidance of Chef Bernard, alongside BUSD Culinary Supervisor Kelly and our talented school site Cooks, our team has been hard at work developing delicious, student-approved entrées, with the majority prepared from scratch right in our school kitchens.
Each of these recipes was supported by student-led focus groups, giving students a voice in shaping the meals served at their schools.
Here are just a few recent recipe development wins:
Cinnamon Roll with Apple Crumble – A sweet success!
Great job Mariah (Adams) & Victoria (Bristow)
Loaded Scrambled Eggs – A big hit with students!
Thank you Elise (Mary Casey Black) & Christina (Marsh Creek)
Sheet Pan Pancakes – A huge success!
Great work Deanna (Isaac Montañez) & Starr (Loma Vista)
Birria Quesadillas – Another student favorite!
Shout out to Ana (Pioneer) & Irene (Krey)
Sloppy Joes – Another winner!
Thank you Carolyn (Garin)
These projects are truly a team effort. Thank you to our Kitchen Production Managers, Assistants, and Support Staff for helping prep, test, and serve each recipe. Your teamwork makes this work possible!
We are so grateful for this collaboration and incredibly proud of our entire BUSD Food Service team as we continue elevating school meals across the District.
Follow us for more updates and behind-the-scenes highlights on Instagram: @busdnutrition
#WeAreBUSD
Come see us tomorrow! #WeAreBUSD
We are thrilled to share that Kelsey Philley has been selected as the recipient of the Fifth Annual Community Advisory Committee Award from Brentwood Union School District! Kelsey is one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts who supports Pioneer, Mary Casey, and Krey Elementary. She was nominated for exhibiting exceptional work with our families and students in Special Education.
Kelsey consistently demonstrates outstanding professionalism, compassion, and expertise, and her work reflects a deep commitment to student success and inclusive, effective educational practices.
Kelsey is profoundly student-centered in her approach, always prioritizing the individual needs, strengths, and well-being of each student she serves. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she brings a thoughtful, strengths-based perspective to her work and ensures that behavioral supports are respectful, meaningful, and designed to promote independence and access to learning.
One of Kelsey’s greatest strengths is her ability to train and communicate effectively with staff at all levels. She excels at translating complex behavioral concepts into clear, practical strategies that staff can confidently implement. Kelsey goes above and beyond in her collaborative efforts, working closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and related service providers to ensure consistency and fidelity across settings. She proactively builds staff capacity by training and mentoring teams, setting clear expectations, and establishing sustainable systems that support positive student outcomes.
Kelsey Philley exemplifies excellence in special education through her leadership, integrity, and unwavering advocacy for students with disabilities. Her dedication and collaborative spirit align strongly with the mission of the CAC and Contra Costa SELPA, and she is highly deserving of recognition for the positive and lasting impact she makes on students, staff, and school communities. Congratulations Kelsey!
Kelsey will be recognized for this achievement at the next virtual Community Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 4th at 5:15 p.m., following a brief regular CAC meeting beginning at 5:00. Please join me if you are able!
Below is the Zoom login information for the meeting, if you wish to attend!
Topic: Community Advisory Committee Meeting & CAC Awards
Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 - 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872891817?pwd=RCaZOBt0VZV9uArekZDXAFomdaZ8kS.1
The Measure B Citizens’ Oversight Committee has released its Annual Report to the Public.
The Committee’s role is to ensure that Measure B bond funds are spent as approved by voters and in accordance with legal requirements. The report provides a transparent review of expenditures, project progress, and the District’s ongoing commitment to fiscal accountability.
We appreciate the time and service of our committee members who help safeguard taxpayer dollars and maintain public trust. #WeareBUSD
We are also proud to recognize our 2025 District Certificated Employee of the Year, Rebecca St. Michel, and District Classified Employee of the Year, Jeff Barton.
All honorees will be celebrated at a special dinner in April in recognition of their service and contributions.
Congratulations to each of you. We are grateful for all you do for BUSD students and families.
#WeAreBUSD #EmployeeOfTheYear #BUSDExcellence
We are proud to celebrate the students who participated and shared their voices, confidence, and growth on stage. Over the past four years, the Oratorical program has continued to grow, and this year’s event was a powerful reflection of that journey.
We look forward to sharing professional photos once they are available. In the meantime, we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate all of the students who took part.
