LBUSD Employee Spotlight

From the moment you step through LBUSD’s Board building, Kristi Norman-Rust’s radiant smile and warm presence make you feel instantly at home. Her calming voice and genuine affection set the tone for the day, reminding us of the power of kindness and grace. Kristi’s youthful charm and natural poise bring a lightness to the office that uplifts everyone she encounters, from longtime staff members to first-time visitors.

As one of the newest members of our LBUSD family, Krisiti has already made a remarkable impression. Her dedication, positive energy, and welcoming spirit reflect the very best of who we are. We are beyond fortunate to have her at the front desk, greeting each day—and each of us—with love and excellence. Welcome to the team, Kristi. We are so lucky to have you.

If joy had a name, it would be Kate Komatz—our brilliant, beloved Head Counselor. The human form of sunshine and confetti, she’s also a powerhouse of academic excellence and unmatched leadership, and offers steady, strategic support. With more than 20 years of experience as an educator, and 6 of those as a counseling leader here in LBUSD, Kate brings more than passion to her work. She brings precision, intellect, and a deeply rooted belief in equitable access to education for every student.

What makes Kate a true force in LBUSD is her rare ability to balance heart and hustle. 

She’s not only profoundly caring—she’s brilliantly organized, an exceptional communicator, and a high-level thinker. Her team knows they can count on her for clarity, backup, and mentorship. She creates calm in the chaos, consistently being a pillar of support, wisdom, and collaboration. Whether she’s coaching a new counselor, leading district initiatives, or advocating for a student in need Kate shows up with intention and integrity. She’s the glue that holds things together. The standard of excellence. The quiet storm who lifts everyone around her. She’s not just in the business of helping students succeed—she’s redefining what it means to serve with purpose. With Kate Komatz in the room, everyone rises. And we are so lucky to rise with her.

Let’s celebrate the one and only Mario Colanta—plant Supervisor extraordinaire and a true unsung LBUSD hero. Mario would wear the wings if schools had guardian angels in uniform. Known for his unwavering kindness, quick smile, and unmatched reliability, Mario isn’t just part of the Edison team—he is Edison. He keeps the campus humming like a well-oiled machine, responding to every call for help before the sentence is finished.   

But Mario’s magic goes far beyond the tasks on his checklist. He shows up early, stays late, and brings a palpable sense of pride and care to everything he does. He doesn’t just keep the school running—he lifts the entire spirit of the place. Whether helping set up an event, fixing a leaky faucet, or simply offering a warm “good morning,” Mario makes every person feel seen and supported. He collaborates effortlessly with staff, always prioritizing the needs of students and educators, and somehow does it all without ever breaking a sweat. 

Ask anyone at Edison, and they’ll tell you: Mario is the go-to guy, the calming presence, the one who shows up—not just physically but emotionally, mentally, and wholeheartedly. His work ethic is unparalleled, his attitude is contagious, and his dedication is truly special. Mario Colanta doesn’t just maintain a building—he nurtures the community. And in doing so, he reminds us all of what it means to lead with humility, heart, and quiet greatness. 

Let’s take a moment to celebrate someone who is, without question, the bomb—Coach Wesley Rosenbaum, the powerhouse behind the girls' varsity basketball team at Jordan High School. In a few short seasons, Coach Rosenbaum has taken what was once an underdog team and turned it into a confident, resilient, and winning squad. But his impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. He’s instilled a culture of belief, discipline, and unshakable determination—both on the court and in the lives of his student athletes. 

Through every drill, every pep talk, and every hard-fought game, Coach Rosenbaum is building more than just players—he’s shaping strong, self-assured young women who know how to push through adversity. His team’s tenacity is undeniable, and it’s no mystery where it comes from: a coach who leads with heart, hustle, and a tireless commitment to excellence. Even when resources are tight, Coach Rosenbaum finds a way. He’s the definition of doing more with less—crafting championship-level character out of sheer will, strategy, and belief. 

Coach Rosenbaum is an organized, encouraging, and endlessly dependable pillar of Jordan High. He’s the kind of coach who shows up early, stays late, and never stops thinking about how to uplift his team. Ask any player, parent, or colleague—they’ll tell you the same thing: this guy is the real deal. A phenomenal coach, a mentor, and an all-around good guy, Wesley Rosenbaum proves that when passion meets purpose, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.   

LBUSD, we’ll all love celebrating this woman, Janet Donahue, Payroll Manager, and the woman behind every dollar that hits our bank account. With 26 years of dedication, Janet is the ultimate “dollars and sense” expert—meticulously mission-driven, and fueled by a fierce commitment to ensuring over 11,000 LBUSD employees get paid, in full and on time, every time. Janet doesn’t just process numbers—she protects peace of mind. She knows that every paycheck helps staff care for their families, pay their rent and mortgages, buy groceries, and live their lives. That’s why she takes her role seriously, constantly refining systems, solving problems before they ever reach your inbox, and ensuring smooth operations across the board. She’s Long Beach through and through, and whether you’re a first-year teacher or a district vet, know this: if your paycheck hit your account without a hitch, Janet made it happen. Reliable, razor-sharp, and deeply committed, Janet Donahue is a behind-the-scenes hero we simply can’t live without. 

Let’s turn to the power, presence, and pure heart of Stanford Middle School—Ms. Lola Mendoza, campus security officer at Stanford Middle School, and the heart and soul of the entire site. Ms. Lola is more than a team member–she’s an institution. Walk onto Stanford’s campus, and you’ll feel her presence before you see her. She brings order, structure, and a commanding sense of calm that students, staff, and families respect without question. She walks the grounds like she owns them–because, in spirit, she does.

Every day, Ms. Lola shows up with purpose and pride. Her walkie-talkie is always in hand, her communication with colleagues is seamless, and her command of the campus is flawless. She knows every hallway, every student, and every routine—and when something’s off, she’s the first to notice and act. You don’t have to look for Ms. Lola—she finds the need before the need ever arises. Teachers and staff count on her, students trust her, and the entire Stanford community breathes easier because she’s there. 

Her commitment goes above and beyond—literally. It’s not unusual to find her staying past her shift, checking in, walking the grounds, making sure everything is correct. You must tell her to go home; even then, she’ll double-check that everything is secure. She leads with a steady hand, sharp eye, and a giant heart. Her presence anchors the school. Stanford Middle School doesn’t just appreciate Ms. Lola—they depend on her. She is R-E-S-P-E-C-T. She is protection. She is community. And she is, without question, the backbone of Stanford.

At Naples Bayside Academy, Danielle Sanchez is the pulse of our school. As our cafeteria supervisor, she feeds hundreds of our students daily. Still, anyone who’s spent a moment in her presence knows that her impact stretches far beyond the lunch line. Danielle brings warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication to everything she does. Her meals are made with love, her kitchen is filled with laughter, and her heart is always focused on making every student feel seen, cared for, and valued. 

But what truly sets Danielle apart is how she brings people together. Danielle creates daily joy by organizing fun, themed events with costumed staff, volunteering to lead the garden club, or turning a simple school lunch into a community celebration. She takes pride in the little things that don’t appear in the job description but mean everything to the people around her. She listens, encourages, and notices the quiet students who might need a smile or a kind word. Her presence is a reminder that school is not just a place to learn—it’s a place to belong.

Danielle leads with heart, lifts others, and reminds us that greatness isn’t always loud—it often shows up in quiet, consistent acts of care. We are so lucky to have her; our entire school community is better because of who she is and how she shows up daily.

Cue the thunderous applause heard from Millikan High all the way to the moon—as we celebrate an absolute legend in the world of education: Ms. Loretta George, the one, the only, the indomitable force behind nearly three decades of excellence in Long Beach Unified. For almost 30 years, Ms. George has poured her heart, soul, and boundless brilliance into shaping young minds through the power of English Language Arts. But don’t let the years fool you—her energy is electric, her passion is palpable, and her work ethic? Unmatched. This isn’t your average educator. No, Ms. George is the department chair, the AVID coordinator, and the walking, talking embodiment of the phrase students first.

She doesn’t just work five days a week—not even six. She gives SEVEN days—every week—every year—to her students, their families, and the greater Millikan community. While others are catching her breath, Ms. George is crafting lesson plans, mentoring fellow educators, hosting workshops, and guiding students toward bright futures as bright as her legacy. She is more than magnificent. She is a movement. A tireless advocate. A beacon of excellence. A living masterclass in commitment, compassion, and transformative instruction. In short? Ms. Loretta George is Millikan Royalty. And we are all better for having her in our midst. Take a bow, Ms. George. You’ve earned it–and them some.