It is with great honor and appreciation that the Lucia Mar Unified School District announces that Kurt Payne is the district's Teacher of the Year. Kurt is a science teacher at Judkins Middle School. Kurt was honored and recognized at Tuesday's school board meeting with all the other award winners from this school year.

"Kurt is an amazing science teacher with contagious energy, enthusiasm, and instructional skills who will be moving over to Mesa next year to be a TAP Master Teacher," Jim Hogeboom Superintendent of Lucia Mar said.  

Linda Kipe Named Classified Employee of the Year

It is also with great honor and appreciation that Lucia Mar announces that Linda Kipe has been named the district's Classified Employee of the Year. Linda works in the district's business office.

"Linda is a hard working and dedicated employee who has a very positive and upbeat attitude, and always looks on the bright side." Hogeboom added.

Andy Stenson Receives Central Office Administrator of the Year Award

Assistant Superintendent Andy Stenson was selected as the Central Office Administrator of the Year by ACSA Region 13.

"Andy has done a sensational job of leading our district forward, and can always be counted on for great advice and decision making.  We are truly blessed to have such a talent in our curriculum department," Hogeboom said.

Below is a list of the Teachers of the Year from each school site:

Arroyo Grande High School- Hillery Dixon

Nipomo High School- Alejandra Lopez

Lopez High School- Mark Greenelsh

Judkins Middle School- Kurt Payne

Mesa Middle School- Tom Slater

Paulding Middle School- Eric Dunham

Branch Elementary School- Rich Regan

Dana Elementary School- Dore Foreman

Dorothea Lange Elementary School- Kirsten Atkison

Fairgrove Elementary School- Clint Knollenberg

Grover Beach Elementary School- Karen Brown

Grover Heights Elementary School- Gary Gonzalez

Harloe Elementary School- Debbie Huhn

Nipomo Elementary School- Jan Wellman

Ocean View Elementary School- Keira Mitchell

Oceano Elementary School- Diana Tappan

Shell Beach Elementary School- Patience Simpson

Lucia Mar also honored its 20 year pin recipients and its retirees at the board meeting. The district truly appreciates all their service, hard work, and amazing dedication to our students and community.

22 Dedicated Retirees Honored for Service

Lori Betz, Karen Brown, Janey Dale, Sue Davis, Christy Ecklund, Linda Evans, Dore Foreman, Larry Hoekman, Patricia Johnson, Roxanne Kienly, Ruth Madocks, Gwen Melton, Jane Peterson, Rosalind Russo, Jan Wellman, John Boner, Edie Cajas, Suzanne Champeau, Willie Cornforth, Patricia Dunn, Daniel Richards, Kristine Weber

11 Recipients Honored with Prestigious 20 Year Service Pins

Branden Leach, Suzanne Lord, Natalie Mejia, Kathy Metcalf, Jennifer Norris, Marcia Page, Dawn Tietz, Cecil Casey, Marilyn Dwight, Joanne Lundgren, Linda Perez  

"We have a top notch group of people here in Lucia Mar in all positions, and our people are truly what make us such a strong school district," Hogeboom said proudly.