The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is proud to announce that Melissa Lathram, Instructional Assistant I Special Education, Sunset Hills Elementary and Carlos Pantoja, Food and Nutrition Warehouse Specialist, Food and Nutrition Department have all been chosen as the PUSD Classified Employees of the Year for 2026.
The selection of the District Classified Employees of the Year is based on job performance, dedication to the community, and contributions to PUSD. A committee comprised of District and school site representatives are responsible for the selection.
2026 Classified of Year
Poway Unified Announces Its PUSD Classified Employees of the Year
Melissa Lathram and Carlos Pantoja Receive School District Honors
Melissa Lathram – Instructional Assistant, Sunset Hills Elementary School
Melissa “Missy” Lathram, an Instructional Assistant in Special Education at Sunset Hills Elementary School, is known for the compassionate and steady support she provides to students with diverse learning needs. In the classroom, Missy helps adapt lessons, reinforce instruction, and guide students through challenges with patience and encouragement. Her calm presence helps students build confidence and stay engaged in learning. Beyond the classroom, Missy plays a key role in strengthening school culture. She helps welcome students each morning, manages the school’s social media to celebrate learning across campus, and brings energy to school events as “DJ Missy L.” Through her dedication to students, staff, and families, Missy helps create a school community where every child feels supported and valued.
Carlos Pantoja – Warehouse Specialist, Food and Nutrition
Carlos Pantoja, a Food and Nutrition Warehouse Specialist, plays a critical role in supporting the district’s school meal program. In just a short time in his position, Carlos has strengthened warehouse operations through careful inventory management, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to efficiency. He routinely arrives early to organize delivery routes, double-checks pick tickets to prevent errors, and ensures vendors’ deliveries meet quality and accuracy standards. His meticulous approach recently helped the department achieve a rare inventory result of zero discrepancies. Working behind the scenes, Carlos helps ensure school kitchens have the supplies they need to serve thousands of meals to students each day.