According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, a confidential employee is “an employee having access in the course of his duties to confidential information on the employer’s labor relations and consequently excludable from union membership.”
School confidential employees’ jobs extend far beyond their critical responsibilities in assisting district collective bargaining teams.
One such person is Cheryl Dollar, administrative assistant with River-side County Office of Education. Dollar is so good at handling her various job responsibilities that she has been named ACSA’s 2011 Confidential Employee of the Year.
Dollar has been with Riverside COE since 1990 and in her present position since 1999. She works under the leadership of Diana Walsh-Reuss, associate superintendent for the Division of Student Programs and Services, which includes more than 700 employees. Dollar’s nominators note she provides extraordinary support to each and every member of the Student Programs and Services team. She always takes on new responsibilities without hesitation, going above and beyond whatever is required. She has earned a reputation for being a person who can be counted on, no matter what the circumstances.
Dollar said making this kind of extra effort ends up providing rewards of its own.
“When given a project, no matter how challenging, I know that it will eventually have a positive impact on a student’s future,” she said.
Dollar modestly said her positive attitude toward work was something she simply picked up from those around her.
“I learned a can-do attitude by the encouragement I received, and continue to receive from my administrators and from our division’s clerical support staff,” she said. “We work as a team to do whatever it takes to supply instructional staff with the resources and training that is needed to continually improve student achievement.”
Dollar is particularly cited for her leadership with the 40 clerical staff who provide support to program operations. In this capacity, Dollar brought in and implemented the concept of Professional Learning Communities. Dollar’s colleagues note this brought about improved communication, greater teamwork and collaboration and increased service toward the goal of improving student achievement.
Part of the reason Dollar has been able to bring these things about is her dedication to her own professional development. She participated in two year-long development programs based on the respected leadership development skills of John Maxwell and Stephen Covey.
In addition, ACSA has played a significant role in Dollar’s professional development through her attendance at numerous ACSA learning events
“ACSA has provided me with professional as well as personal growth through many professional development and networking opportunities, such as the CEL Institute, ACSA Leadership Summit, as well as Legislative Action Day. Just as important is the many friendships I have developed through networking at these events,” Dollar said.
In addition, Dollar has been very active in her membership on all levels: local, regional and statewide. Among her ACSA activities are serving as the Region 19 treasurer, as well as the vice president of councils and committees. On the state level, Dollar served on the Leadership Summit planning committee and presented at several Delegate Assemblies. Perhaps most notably on the statewide level, Dollar was president of the ACSA Classified Educational Leaders Council from 2002-08.
Dollar said she places high value on what she has received by being active in ACSA. She noted that participation pays off, not only personally, but also for the overall profession.
“It is very important for me to be involved in all levels of ACSA to ensure that classified and confidential are equal partners, not only in ACSA, but also in education,” she said. “We provide the support needed for administrators to be successful in their quest to provide appropriate programs for all children in public education.”
For her efforts, both in her job and toward her profession, ACSA is proud to recognize Dollar for her accomplishments. The statewide honor is one Dollar said she will treasure.
“Being recognized for something I truly enjoy doing is very special,” she said. “To be recognized as the Confidential Employee of the Year is priceless. Words can never adequately express how honored I am to be receiving this award.”
Dollar will be formally honored along with fellow award winners at the 2011 ACSA Leadership Summit, Nov. 3-5 in Sacramento. Register by July 15 and save $100. Visit www.acsa.org/leadershipsummit for details.