LBUSD Employee Spotlight

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Susan Leaming; Personnel Analyst, Classification Studies and Salary Surveys

Some people light up a room when they walk in, whose very presence brings warmth, comfort, and joy. For LBUSD, one of those people is Susan Leaming.

With a heart as expansive as her smile, Susan has long been a beacon of positivity in our district. Her kindness is effortless. Her care for others is unwavering. And her spirit? Unstoppable. When the call came to temporarily step into the role of Interim Executive Director for the Personnel Commission, Susan didn’t hesitate. What was meant to be a six-month assignment turned into a remarkable two-year journey of servant leadership.

During that time, Susan guided a 24-member team with a steady hand and an open heart. She ensured that every candidate who applied to LBUSD was treated with dignity, equity, and thoughtful consideration. She lead! She lifted! She listened! She ensured that fairness wasn’t just a process, but a promise.

But her legacy goes far beyond job titles and responsibilities. Susan chaired the CLASSCHELLA Committee, our annual celebration for classified employees, and poured her heart into every detail. From the food to the flyers, from shuttle logistics to joyful announcements, the event was a love letter to LBUSD’s hardworking staff. It was Susan’s way of saying thank you, of giving back, of making others feel seen and celebrated. And it was flawless.

There’s genuinely no role too big, no task too small, no person unworthy of Susan’s time and care. She gives and gives, not for recognition, but because it’s who she is, an embodiment of heart, compassion, and grace.

To know her is to admire her. To work alongside her is to be inspired. And to celebrate her today is our joy.

Let’s hear it, loud and proud, for Susan Leaming: a woman whose light makes LBUSD shine even brighter.

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George Tsai; Assistant Director, State and Federal Programs

If you’ve ever heard upbeat music echoing through the building on a Friday, chances are George Tsai isn’t far behind. With his signature snack cart and generous spirit, George has become a beloved presence across every floor, spreading joy, one treat at a time.

What began as a simple idea during the COVID-19 pandemic, to meet colleagues by offering snacks, has since grown into a weekly tradition of connection and kindness. George’s cart isn’t just filled with goodies; it’s filled with heart. It’s a reminder that sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.

Beyond his Friday rounds, George brings that same energy and generosity to his role as Assistant Director of State and Federal Programs. His work is deeply student-focused, helping to secure federal dollars for college readiness programs. George centers excellence, equity, and access in everything he does. He sees potential in every learner and works tirelessly to remove the financial barriers that too often stand in the way.

George Tsai is one of those rare people who give without asking, lift without needing praise, and lead with joy. He embodies the very best of LBUSD, and today, and always, we celebrate him.

Let’s hear it for George! 

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Ms. Tonie Alfonso; 5th Grade Teacher, Tincher Preparatory School

Some teachers teach with excellence. Others teach with passion. But Ms. Tonie Alfonso? She teaches with heart, and it shows in everything she does.

A parent recently shared, through tears, just how deeply Ms. Alfonso has impacted their child:

“Tonie leads with heart, and it makes me cry,” the parent said. “Her classroom centers on equity. It’s a beautiful community where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.”

One project that stood out was a family heritage assignment where students could share anything about their culture or background. Inspired, many students went above and beyond; some even used Ancestry.com to trace their roots.

“My daughter came home beaming,” the parent continued. “She said, ‘I have a friend from Belize, one from Guatemala, and they brought traditional food to class!’ These kids are bonded for life, thanks to Ms. Tony.”

In Ms. Alfonso’s class, cultural diversity is acknowledged and celebrated. She creates a space where students feel safe to share who they are and where they come from. This kind of environment builds confidence, empathy, and deep connections among students that last well beyond the school year.

A connector, culture-builder, and model of equity and inclusion, Ms. Alfonso embodies what authenticity looks like in action. She represents what we value in Long Beach Unified: excellence with purpose, and heart at its center.

Thank you, Ms. Alfonso, for being a dream teacher for your students, their families, and all of us.
 

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Javier Rivera; Administrative Secretary, Technology & Information Services Branch (TISB)

Let’s be real, Javier Rivera is the heartbeat of TISB. The brains, the glue, the guy who makes the whole operation tick. If it’s happening in TISB, Javier’s behind it, or already 10 steps ahead.

With a sharp mind for business operations and a deep understanding of district systems, Javier brings structure to chaos. He handles calendaring, coordinates Ed Tech groups, processes payroll requisitions with precision, plans events, and still finds time to teach others. Need help? Ask Javier. Need answers? Javier’s got ’em. Need snacks? Oh, especially ask Javier.

Yep, you read that right. TISB is renowned for having the best snack bar in the Board Building, thanks to Javier. From popcorn and cookies to noodles and soft drinks, he stocks it all, and everything is under a buck. It’s not just a snack bar, it’s a vibe.

Javier’s also known for his approachable nature and positive energy. Friendly, upbeat, and universally loved, he’s one of those rare people who makes everyone feel like somebody. No wonder everyone in the district knows his name.

And let’s not forget: Before taking the district by storm, Javier led at the site level as an office manager, training both school staff and administrators with the same passion and precision he brings today.

Thank you, Javier, for being the engine, the energy, and the everyday excellence that keeps LBUSD moving forward. 

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Patrick Gillogy; 10th Grade AP Modern World History Teacher, Long Beach Polytechnic High School

If you walk into Patrick Gillogy’s classroom, expect to be drawn into a dynamic conversation that connects the past to the present. As a 10th-grade AP Modern World History teacher, Patrick makes the subject relevant. He encourages students to interrogate the world around them by linking historical events to current issues, creating a classroom environment that is both intellectually rigorous and reflective.

What sets Patrick apart is his deep commitment to relationships. He believes that relatability is the key to academic rigor, and he lives that belief every day. One of his most moving traditions is the 5-Year Letter Project, in which he invites families, caregivers, coaches, and loved ones to write heartfelt letters to the students. Then, five years later, Patrick mails those letters to the now-young adults, offering them a powerful reminder of the love and belief that surrounded them during their high school journey.

Patrick also serves as the Model United Nations advisor, and his impact is undeniable. He was named Poly High School Teacher of the Year in 2016 and recognized districtwide as the LBUSD PTSS Teacher of the Year in 2020.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding educator whose care, creativity, and commitment help scholars become compassionate citizens of the world.

 

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Jenn Castro; Office Supervisor

Jenn Castro is a fixture at Jordan: a calm, capable, and always-kids-first leader who brings warmth, structure, and a smile to everything she does.

Starting her journey as a substitute IOA, Jenn worked her way up to become Office Supervisor, and today, she’s known as the steady hand that keeps everything running smoothly. When students walk into the office, she stops what she’s doing to greet them, no matter how busy she is. And yes, she’s that office supervisor, the one with the good snacks. Her healthy snack stash is open to all, even students who are having a tough day, because Jenn knows that care and compassion are powerful, especially when kids need it most. Because Jenn sees the human behind the behavior, and she makes every student feel seen and supported.

She’s calm in the face of chaos, finds the good in every challenge, and keeps student safety front and center, always! Her proactive spirit means she’s already solved the problem before it even lands on your desk.

Respected deeply by her admin team, Jenn exemplifies everything in our Adult Portrait: professionalism, positivity, and an unwavering commitment to student well-being. Jenn, thank you for leading with grace, empathy, and joy every single day.

 

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Dr. Vickie McCloyn; Algebra Teacher, Hughes Middle School

For more than 25 years, Dr. Vickie McCloyn has been a pillar of excellence in LBUSD, where she teaches algebra by day and ignites the stage with her young, gifted and talented performing arts program after school.

Her dedication is unmatched. Two to three times a week, Dr. McCloyn leads her young performers in rehearsals that blend history, culture, and the arts. Her annual Black History Month production is truly extraordinary. Written entirely by Dr. McCloyn, the show challenges students to memorize every line and embody the historical figures they portray. The result? A powerful, immersive experience filled with poetry, music, dance, and storytelling that brings the past vividly to life for Hughes and the wider Long Beach community.

She doesn’t stop there. 

After long days of teaching and directing, Dr. McCloyn still finds time to tutor students in math. “She’s dialed in on what kids need,” say her colleagues, praising her unique blend of warmth and high expectations. She demands excellence because she knows her students are capable of it.

Legacy comes full circle in her work with a dedicated parent group, many of whom were once her students. Dr. McCloyn is living proof of the lasting impact a great educator can have, generation after generation.

Thank you, Dr. McCloyn, for being a guiding light, a creative force, and a tireless advocate for student success.