
As assistant superintendent for human resources in Burbank Unified School District, ACSA's 2008 Human Resources Administrator of the Year
Gabe Soumakian has proven he is an extraordinary visionary. His high expectations for himself and others has led to the implementation of new and innovative personnel and administrative practices.
A school system is only as good as its team, and it is up to human resources administrators to make sure that team is the best it can be. Human resources ensures all staff – from principals to teachers to classified employees – meet the needs of the school, district, and community they serve. HR administrators also ensure staff are qualified under state and federal regulations, and provide leadership in personnel practices, employer-employee relations, fair and equal employment practices, contract management, negotiations, and other staff-related issues. They also ensure staff receives the training they need to lead their schools, and students, to success.