LBUSD Employee Spotlight

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Jolene Arredondo, Prisk 2nd Grade Teacher

Sometimes the best measure of a teacher’s impact is not a test score, a lesson plan, or a classroom observation.

Sometimes it is a second grader.

While visiting Prisk Elementary for a Los Angeles Times interview, I was standing with Principal Hickox when a student named Desmond confidently approached me. “What’s your name, and why are you here?” he asked. I introduced myself and explained that we were there to support the principal during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. I then asked him what he liked about Prisk. As I crouched down to scratch my ankle, Desmond crouched down too.

“I like it here because I’m learning an oasis of information,” he said. Oasis? That’s a pretty big word for a second grader. “How do you know that word?” I asked. Without hesitation, he smiled and said, “My teacher, Ms. Arredondo. She teaches me those words. She teaches me to be an explorer, a scientist, a mathematician. She’s the best. Every day we learn something different. Come to my class so you can learn too!”

I was speechless.

In a matter of seconds, Desmond had demonstrated curiosity, confidence, vocabulary, enthusiasm for learning, and genuine admiration for his teacher. I had to meet Ms. Jolene Arredondo. When I shared the story with her, she smiled and simply said:

“Oh, that’s so nice of him. At our school, we set the bar high, and then I raise it two notches because I know our kids can achieve more.”

Those words explained everything.

Later, I visited her classroom and saw that philosophy in action. She was leading a lesson on the Civil Rights Movement when she asked her students, “Who can tell me what a boycott is?”

A student raised his hand and confidently responded: “A boycott is what a group of people do when they’ve been discriminated against. For example, it says on page 17 that Rosa Parks began the bus boycott after experiencing discrimination.”

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. This was not a high school history class. This was second grade. Students were using academic vocabulary, citing evidence from a text, connecting historical events to larger concepts, and engaging in thoughtful discussion at a level that would impress many adults. In that moment, Desmond’s confidence made perfect sense.

It was the product of a teacher who refuses to place limits on what children can learn.

Ms. Arredondo is building thinkers, explorers, scientists, mathematicians, readers, and leaders. She is creating a classroom where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to exceed expectations every day. And if you ever wonder whether her approach is working, just ask Desmond. He’ll be happy to tell you all about it.

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Alyson Swain, Wilson English Teacher

When I asked Wilson High School student Ella Forrester to name a staff member who had made a profound impact on her experience, her answer came immediately: Mrs. Swain.

“What stands out most about Mrs. Swain is the way she intentionally creates a true sense of community in her classroom,” Ella said.

At the beginning of the school year, Ella described herself as quiet and hesitant to talk with others because she didn’t know many students in the class. Through collaborative assignments, engaging group activities, and the welcoming environment Mrs. Swain creates every day, she was able to reconnect with old middle school friends and build meaningful new friendships.

“My class feels less like a traditional classroom and more like a supportive community where students genuinely feel connected to one another,” Ella said.

One example that has stayed with her is Mrs. Swain’s ability to bring learning beyond the classroom.

“Mrs. Swain brings literature studies to different spaces around campus so students feel comfortable, engaged, and excited about learning,” Ella shared. “Whether we’re participating in interactive games, collaborating in groups, or discussing literature outside the four walls of the classroom, she makes learning feel active and meaningful while still maintaining high expectations.”

Just as important, Ella says, is the emotional environment Mrs. Swain creates.

“Mrs. Swain is approachable, open-minded, and judgment-free,” she said. “Students feel comfortable talking with her, whether they need advice, encouragement, or simply someone willing to listen.”

According to Ella, students want to learn, participate, and show respect in Mrs. Swain’s class because she listens to them and values their voices.

“It is rare to find a teacher who impacts students academically, socially, and emotionally all at once,” Ella said. “Mrs. Swain clearly does that every day.”

For Ella, Mrs. Swain has helped create a place where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to succeed.

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Cindy VonArx, Executive Secretary, Deputy Superintendent

If Long Beach Unified runs on relationships, details, and care, there is a good chance Cindy VonArx had something to do with it.

As Executive Secretary to the Deputy Superintendent, Cindy manages one of the busiest calendars in the District while serving as a trusted partner to departments across LBUSD. Whether supporting District leadership, helping keep the fast-paced Communications Office moving at a moment’s notice, coordinating initiatives at the Center of Black Student Excellence, or ensuring countless details come together behind the scenes, Cindy is often the steady hand making it all happen.

Her commitment was on full display just last week as LBUSD prepared for Black Grad. Long after most people had wrapped up their Friday, Cindy was still in the office troubleshooting a printer issue that threatened to delay table placement cards for the celebration. The printer’s ink had malfunctioned, forcing her to print each card individually, one every ten minutes. At 4:30 p.m., after her workday had officially ended, Cindy was still running back and forth to the printer, carefully inspecting every card. Rather than settle for “good enough,” she stayed because, in Cindy’s words, the cards had to be perfect. The students and families attending Black Grad may never know the extra effort behind those small details, but that is exactly who Cindy is, someone who quietly goes above and beyond to ensure every person feels valued and every event reflects the excellence of LBUSD.

Nowhere is that dedication more evident than in A Lasting Contribution, one of Cindy’s most cherished projects. Every detail reflects her thoughtfulness and gratitude, from beautifully crafted invitations and elegant floral arrangements to carefully selected music, a seamless program, and a warm, welcoming guest experience. Cindy approaches the event with one goal: ensuring retirees and honorees feel genuinely celebrated, appreciated, and thanked for their years of service to LBUSD. The result is more than an event; it is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond her remarkable work ethic, Cindy is a champion for wellness! On my very first day at LBUSD, while waiting in the lobby, Cindy greeted me with a smile and a simple question:

“Want to take four flights of stairs?” What could I say?

From that day forward, I rarely took the elevator. Cindy believes that taking care of ourselves matters. If we cannot fit in a workout, she reminds us, we can at least take the stairs. It is a small gesture that perfectly captures who she is: encouraging, thoughtful, and always looking out for others.

Cindy’s impact reaches far beyond calendars, meetings, and event logistics. She brings excellence to every task, heart to every interaction, and care to every detail. For those fortunate enough to work alongside her, know that when Cindy is involved, things will not only get done but done exceptionally well.

Thank you, Cindy, for everything you do to support our students, staff, and community. We appreciate you more than words can express.

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Daro Huot, Educational Research Analyst I

Every great team has a utility player, someone who can step into multiple roles, solve problems, and make everyone around them better. For Long Beach Unified, that person is Daro Huot.

As an Educational Research Analyst, Daro helps ensure the District’s CORE is built on sound research practices, asking the right questions in the right way so results are accurate, balanced, and free from bias or harm. His work helps us better understand the experiences of students and staff and informs decisions that strengthen our schools.

The man is a hyper student-focused person, and that commitment shines through in everything he does, from helping departments analyze data to supporting initiatives that improve student achievement, well-being, and belonging.

He’s a School Messenger aficionado, helping departments deliver timely, accurate, and audience-specific communications to families and staff. When evaluating communication vendors, he coordinates presentations, manages logistics, and develops detailed scoring rubrics to help teams thoughtfully assess each option and make informed decisions.

Yet for all he does professionally, Daro’s favorite role is being a dad. A proud father of two, he will tell you that the highlight of his day is dropping his children off at an LBUSD school. It’s a reminder that behind the data, research, and communications is someone deeply invested in the success of the students we serve.

Thank you, Daro, for bringing care, precision, and a student-centered mindset to everything you do.

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Hutx Colunga-Hutxins, Guidance Opportunity Class Teacher at Bancroft

For some students, the Guidance Opportunity Class at Bancroft Middle School represents a turning point. For Hutch Calunga, it’s an opportunity to remind young people that one mistake does not define who they are.

Hutch works with students who have been removed from traditional school settings for some of the most serious disciplinary offenses. Yet he doesn’t see their mistakes first. He sees their potential. He believes every student deserves a second chance, and every day, he works to help them earn it.

When students enter the program, Hutch sits down with them and their families to review a credence, a shared commitment that outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and support needed for success. It’s a promise that students will be held accountable while being surrounded by adults who believe in them.

That support extends inside and outside the classroom. When students are struggling and do not want to attend school, Hutx doesn't just mark them absent and move on. He calls the family, listens, and helps remove any barriers to the student's return to school and staying connected. He arranges transportation for all his students and ensures they get to and from school safely.  That’s the kind of educator he is: warm, demanding, and unwilling to give up on a child.

At the end of each year, Hutch conducts his own 8th-grade graduation ceremony for students in the program. Together, they revisit the credence, reflect on how far they’ve come, and celebrate what they’ve achieved. For students who may have felt written off at one point in their lives, it’s a powerful reminder that their future is still full of possibilities.

The Guidance Opportunity Class works because of the relationships Hutch builds, the expectations he sets, and the hope he provides. He meets students where they are, helps them see where they can go, and walks alongside them every step of the way.

Thank you, Hutch, for showing students that accountability and compassion can go hand in hand, and that second chances can change lives.

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Ron Bazer, Pathway Business Engagement Facilitator

At Renaissance High School for the Arts, creativity is everywhere. Ron Bazer’s job is helping students turn that creativity into opportunity.

As Pathway Business Engagement Facilitator, Ron connects students in film, fashion, visual arts, and performing arts with the people, experiences, and industries that can help launch their futures. From industry partnerships and field trips to guest speakers and work-based learning, he ensures students don’t just study their craft, they live it.

And his work doesn’t stop there. Just this month, when a student was on the verge of not graduating, Ron stepped in immediately. He called home, met with the family, worked with a teacher, and helped create a path forward. By the end of the day, that student was back in class, took the test needed to graduate, passed, and will be part of the Class of 2026 graduation ceremony. That’s Ron. He doesn’t give up on kids.

During a recent “Nickel Tour” of Renaissance, Ron moved through campus like a living encyclopedia. He knew the students, the artwork, the stories, and the inspiration behind it all. He could tell you who painted a mural, what it symbolizes, and what inspired the artist to create it. Students greeted him by name at every turn. 

What sets Ron apart is that he teaches students that their talent has value. He brings in artists, filmmakers, designers, and business leaders to show students how to market their work, negotiate commissions, understand contracts, and protect their intellectual property. He helps them understand that creativity is more than self-expression; it can become a career, a business, and a massive source of income.

Renaissance is filled with extraordinary talent. Ron Bazer is helping students recognize it, develop it, and profit from it, one student, one opportunity, and one connection at a time.

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Mona Merlo, Lakewood High School Principal

When people think of Lakewood High School, they often think of the students, the traditions, and the pride that comes with being a Lancer. Behind much of that success is Principal Mona Merlo.

Mona is the kind of leader who leaves nothing to chance. Weeks before the first day of school, she was already planning every detail, from preparing the aquatics center and ensuring safety protocols were in place to coordinating campus logistics, parking, staff assignments, and media access. While students and families arrived excited for a new year, Mona was behind the scenes making sure every detail reflected the welcoming, student-centered experience Lakewood is known for.

The result was more than a successful first day of school; it was a celebration and reminder that exceptional school experiences don’t happen by accident; they happen because of leaders like Mona who invest the time, energy, and care to make them possible.

But perhaps Mona’s greatest strength is how she leads through adversity. When challenges arise, headlines emerge, or outside pressures mount, she remains calm, focused, and unwavering in her commitment to students, staff, and families. Her attention never shifts from what matters most: serving the Lakewood community.

That commitment is visible everywhere on campus. Whether greeting students by name, cheering them on at events, or celebrating their achievements, Mona has built authentic relationships that transcend titles. During Lakewood’s Earth Day Community Service Fair, Mona proudly guided media, staff, and visitors through student exhibits and encouraged them to stay for a student-led water show later that afternoon. She wanted others to see what she sees every day: talented, innovative students doing extraordinary things. That pride in her students and her eagerness to showcase their success are among the many reasons the Lakewood community holds her in such high regard.

Respected by colleagues, admired by staff, and embraced by students and families alike, Mona leads with heart, humility, and purpose. Her unwavering dedication to Lakewood High School and Long Beach Unified is evident in every decision she makes and every relationship she builds.

Lakewood is stronger because of Mona Merlo, and Long Beach Unified is fortunate to have her.

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Domonic Butler, Custodian at Browning

There are people who do their jobs well, and then there are people like Domonic Butler, who quietly go above because he genuinely cares.

A respected, kind, and dependable member of the Browning team, Domonic takes tremendous pride in his work. Students greet him by name, colleagues know they can count on him, and the campus reflects his commitment every day. Browning is clean, welcoming, and well-maintained because Domonic treats it like a community. 

That dedication was on full display during A Lasting Contribution. After the celebration concluded and most attendees had headed home, Domonic was just getting started. He methodically folded chairs, broke down tables, and restored the event space to its original condition. But what stood out was everything he did afterward. Noticing organizers were still packing up, Domonic stepped in without being asked. He helped gather and organize the remaining food, carefully carried large fruit arrangements to the school’s refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe, and ensured nothing went to waste. While others coordinated the final details of the event, Domonic handled the heavy lifting, moving supplies and equipment so the women who organized the celebration didn’t have to.

What made the moment memorable was the way he did it. Domonic was cheerful, helpful, and completely focused on supporting others. There was no need for recognition or praise. He simply saw what needed to be done and did it with a smile.

His work ethic, humility, and willingness to serve others embody the very best of Browning. Domonic reminds us that making a difference isn’t always about being in the spotlight; sometimes it’s about showing up, lending a hand, and taking pride in helping others succeed.

Thank you, Domonic, for everything you do for Browning. Your impact is seen, appreciated, and deeply valued.