High School Educator of the Year
Department Leader of the Year
Administrator of the Year
Jonathan Hinojosa
Teacher at Farber Educational Campus dr. Carlos Arredondo
Assistant Superintendent in Human Resources jeanne butler
Principal at Rata High School and Adult Transition Program
Jonathan Hinojosa transitioned from a 14-year career in Fresno Unified’ s warehouse to become a teacher, leading the launch of the logistics / warehouse career technical education( CTE) program for students when Farber Educational Campus opened in August 2024. Logistics is a fast-growing industry where students can find immediate employment and opportunities with their training at Farber. While Hinojosa’ s career change may sound like a huge leap, one conversation with him reveals his passion to help young people succeed, his communication skills and organizational capabilities, and demonstrates that he was meant to teach. Farber encompasses most of Fresno Unified’ s alternative education programs, which means that many students are at risk of not graduating and have struggled to succeed at a traditional campus. Jonathan embraces this challenge, loves his students and they are thriving under his mentorship.
In addition to successfully launching a brand-new CTE program, Hinojosa’ s accomplishments include establishing a partnership with the Central California Food Bank that led to logistics students assisting with monthly food distributions and the food backpack program. His logistics program will be the first in the nation to have an Amazon Pre-Employment Certification Program, paving the way for student jobs and long-term employment. His high academic standards have led to students obtaining OSHA and other industry certifications. His brand-new program is already seen as a model, hosting a variety of educators and industry professionals who want to replicate what Hinojosa is doing.
From Michael Niehoff, executive director at Farber Educational Campus:“ Through high levels of student engagement, relevant learning and positive culture, Jonathan is not only helping alternative education students attend school more and graduate, but is also getting them ready for careers and life.”
In his own words:“ What we’ re hoping to do here at Farber is not just impact our kids, but the community around us.”
Dr. Carlos Arredondo is a key member of the district’ s human resources team. His coworkers know him for his ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and discretion, making him a go-to person for anyone seeking guidance or support. His proactive approach to problem solving and conflict resolution has led to significant improvements in team dynamics and employee satisfaction within his department and beyond.
He recently obtained his doctoral degree in education and works to instill this same drive to achieve in everyone around him by facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers and organizing trainings and workshops for staff.
Arredondo is not only committed to improving his work environment, he also takes a very active role within his family and community. He enjoys participating in his children’ s educational activities, attends school events and volunteers for classroom projects. Outside of the campus setting he also coaches sports, participates in community service projects and attends neighborhood events.
Because Arredondo understands the importance of a healthy work-life balance, he advocates for family friendly policies within Fresno Unified and works to create an environment that’ s supportive to both employees and their families.
From human resources administrative assistant Sandra Zucilla:“ Carlos is always open to new ideas while empowering his employees to initiate change, work together and drive towards efficiency.”
In his own words:“ Customer service is the No. 1 goal, putting people first.”
Jeanne Butler is principal at Rata High School and Adult Transition Program, which serves some of Fresno Unified’ s most physically, mentally and medically challenged students. She is a true champion of these vulnerable students and has enhanced the school’ s visibility since she became principal in 2022. She inspires her staff with her ongoing encouragement, optimism and problem-solving skills, and gives them pride in the difficult work they do.
One of Butler’ s contributions to Rata is her insistence that electives for students, such as P. E. and art, are incorporated into the instructional program as they are for students in general education. By adding art classes, students were able to participate in the districtwide IdeaFest arts and literature festival last spring and ArtHop in downtown Fresno.
Butler prioritizes inclusion and has high academic expectations for students, providing staff with data and goals to encourage progress. She makes sure staff has the training and guidance they need to help students achieve. Although many students struggle with medical issues, she has increased attendance expectations.
Butler recently spent three months undergoing treatment for cancer, which did not diminish her positive outlook and concern for her students and staff. She championed the idea that women undergoing chemotherapy do not need to wear wigs, whipping hers off during her acceptance speech for Administrator of the Year for Fresno Unified, prompting a roar from the crowd.
From Patricia Obrero, a teacher at Rata High School:“ She inspires me each day to strive to achieve a bit more than the previous day, to work a bit harder with helping students conquer another goal or obstacle. Jeanne Butler is full of a zillion ideas of how to overcome the many obstacles our students come to school with.”
In her own words:“ Rata is the epitome of inclusionary practices.”
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