Posted on behalf of Dana Eaton, Superintendent of Brentwood Union School District:
Please join me in celebrating six outstanding leaders from the Brentwood Union School District who have been named Administrators of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators, Delta Region. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such dedicated, talented, and student-centered professionals, and I am proud to recognize their well-deserved accomplishments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please join me in congratulating these exceptional leaders. A dinner honoring our award recipients will be held on March 5.
This incredible milestone reflects the work of our entire team, including our dedicated kitchen staff at every school, our hardworking warehouse lead, and the Food Service Office that keeps everything running smoothly each day under the leadership and support of Food Service Department Coordinator Kristin Nisen.
Our department continues to grow and innovate. This year, we have celebrated major successes, including
✅ Expanding scratch-made menu items with simpler, cleaner ingredients while keeping flavor front and center
✅ Multiple culinary trainings, professional growth opportunities, and meaningful team-building experiences
✅ Ongoing recipe development and student-approved meal enhancements
✅ Another inspiring visit from motivational speaker Jeff Joiner in November
And so much more.
Big things are happening in BUSD Food Services, all because of the incredible people who show up every day with dedication, heart, and a passion for feeding kids.
Thank you, team, for everything you do.
Follow us on Instagram @busdnutrition
#WeAreBUSD
The ENR Best Projects program is one of the most prestigious honors in commercial construction, recognizing excellence in safety, building, infrastructure, and sustainable design.
Superintendent Dana Eaton, Ed.D., and retired Chief Business Official Robin Schmitt attended the awards ceremony in San Francisco along with members of the Overaa Construction team and the Cumming Group construction management team.
This recognition highlights the strong community support behind Measure B and the collective work that brought this school to life. Congratulations to everyone involved in creating this award-winning campus. #WeareBUSD
We’re thrilled to share that the 12th Annual Brentwood Turkey Trot for Schools, held on Thanksgiving morning, exceeded all expectations and brought our community together in a big way.
Thanks to your incredible support, this year’s race sold out with 2,488 registered participants and raised approximately $90,000 for athletic programs across both the Brentwood Union School District and Liberty Union High School District.
BUSD will receive half of the proceeds, which will be distributed across our elementary and middle schools. To our teachers, administrators, and classified staff who show up year after year, running, volunteering, promoting, and supporting, we appreciate you! Your commitment is a significant factor in what makes this event such a success.
We look forward to seeing how Principals, P.E. teachers, and coaches will utilize these funds to strengthen and expand athletics across our district. The impact of this effort will benefit BUSD students for years to come.
Thank you, BUSD, for your continued support and community spirit. 🦃💙
Your commitment to supporting local families and lifting up our community truly makes a difference. We are grateful for your partnership and kindness.
#BrentwoodUnionSchoolDistrict #BUSD #CommunitySupport #DeltaNetworkingPartners #HolidayGiving #WeAreBUSD
As families head out for trick-or-treating tonight, we wish you a safe, fun, and spooky evening! Please enjoy a few highlights from across our school sites below. 🧡🕸️ #WeareBUSD
Ron Nunn Elementary hosted some incredible Trunk-or-Treat events, and the turnout was amazing! Families, staff, and volunteers came together to create a festive evening full of creative trunks, candy, and community spirit. 🍬✨ #WeareBUSD
#WeAreBUSD
Brentwood Union School District’s first-ever All Abilities Halloween Boothtastic brought together nearly 200 participants for an unforgettable day of fun, inclusion, and community!
Students enjoyed creative booths, music, laughter, and connection ...all made possible thanks to the incredible teamwork of our Special Education Department, our Mary Casey Black Elementary hosts, and the many teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and volunteers who came together to make this event shine. 💜
A special shoutout goes to Lisa Gray, our “Fairy Godmother,” for coordinating booth activities, the photo album, and countless behind-the-scenes details that made the event magical.
💬 Parents shared heartfelt thanks, expressing how meaningful it is to have a safe, sensory-friendly space where their children can celebrate and belong.
This event truly reflects our mission to create inclusive spaces where every student can participate, engage, and have fun one event at a time. #WeareBUSD
Across all 12 Brentwood Union School District schools, 270 teachers participated in this year’s California Crunch Event! Every student received a fresh organic apple from Nana Mae’s Organics, Educational Snack Sweet Crackers, and a magazine featuring some of our amazing local farmers. Students also enjoyed watching a special presentation created by BUSD that shared fun facts about apples, farming, and healthy eating.
A special highlight of the day was when Farmer Paul, along with his daughter Eva and grandson AJ from Nana Mae’s Organics of Sebastopol, California, visited Brentwood Elementary. They spoke with classrooms full of curious and excited students eager to learn all about apples and how they’re grown.
It was a truly amazing experience for our students to connect with local agriculture and learn where their food comes from. Events like this remind us how powerful it is to celebrate healthy eating and local farming together!
Keep up with all of the exiting things that are happening by following the Food Service Department on Instagram @busdnutrition
#WeAreBUSD #CrunchItMunchIt #CACrunch #F2SMonth
