Three outstanding members of the Alhambra Unified School District team have been named AUSD’s 2026-2027 Employees of the Year, recognizing their dedication to students, families and colleagues.
The honorees, who were first announced in spring, are Manager of the Year Tom Kohout, principal at Marguerita School; Teacher of the Year Travis Arroyo, a teacher in the LIFT (Learning Independence For Transition) program; and Classified Employee of the Year Jose “Joe” Castilla, a Student Information System Technician in Data Processing.
In addition to being named AUSD Teacher of the Year, Arroyo was selected as a semifinalist for Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year, placing him among an elite group of educators from across the county. AUSD is eagerly awaiting the announcement of the 2026 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year on September 25th and will be cheering Travis on when the results are revealed.
Their colleagues found a special way to celebrate each honoree over the summer by creating videos highlighting their contributions and the impact they have made throughout the district. The videos were shared during AUSD’s All-Staff Welcome Back Meeting and Breakfast on August 12th and can be viewed on the District’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@alhambrausd).
During the meeting, each Employee of the Year was also recognized by the AUSD Board of Education and presented with a commemorative bell to proudly display.
“Our employees are the heart of our district,” Superintendent Denise Jaramillo said. “Every day, they bring their expertise, compassion, and commitment to the work of supporting our students and families. Joe, Tom, and Travis represent the very best of AUSD, and we are grateful for the difference they make in the lives of those they serve.”
Please join AUSD in congratulating these three exceptional employees and celebrating all of the dedicated staff members who make our schools and district community stronger every day.
