By Richard Bammer
It is widely acknowledged that U.S. public schools and community colleges would seize up and sputter like a clunky old car engine without dependable, savvy and caring classified, or support, employees.
Day in and out, sometimes before sunrise, or when the first school bells ring in the morning, or classroom doors swing open, they are often the unsung heroes and heroines who keep offices running smoothly, keep campuses safe, clean and repaired, cook the cafeteria food, help out teachers as classroom aides, keep the libraries running efficiently, and drive the buses.
To honor them, the state Department of Education and Vacaville Unified set aside this week, through Saturday, as Classified School Employee Week, a sort-of collective pat on the back and thanks to an essential group of workers.