High school drama, dance teacher to be recognized; custodian ‘does whatever it takes’

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

A highlight of Thursday night’s meeting of the Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees will be a bit of good news, as board members single out for praise two district employees.

Benicia High School drama and dance teacher Christine Mani will receive an award for Certificated Employee of the Year, and Charles Schauer will be recognized as Classified Employee of the Year, said Janice Adams, superintendent of Benicia schools.

Schauer — known districtwide as “Chuck” — is the day custodian in Benicia High School. “He is an amazing worker, and he has such pride in that campus,” Adams said. “He’s there by himself during the day, and keeps the school clean and well maintained. It’s a well-deserved honor.

“He does whatever it takes to keep that school clean and well maintained.”

Mani, Adams said, “runs the Drama Department” and because of her, “we have a wonderful visual and performing arts program.

“They’re both outstanding at what they do.”

Also Thursday, Dr. Linda Cole, director of Special Services, and members of the Special Education Local Advisory Committee, a parent group, will give a report on SELAC activities.

“This wonderful, involved parent group has reconstructed our Local Advisory Committee,” Adams said. “They’re going to report to the board on the activities that they’re doing to promote and support our special education students and programs.

“They’re a terrific group of parents.”

In other business, Dr. Michael Gardner, assistant superintendent, and John DaSilva, California School Employees Association Chapter 1096 president and bargaining chairman, will each publicly sunshine proposals for retroactive and ongoing labor negotiations.

If You Go
The Benicia Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet Thursday in a closed session at 6 p.m. and open session at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the board room at the district office, 350 East K St.

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