It takes skilled, sophisticated, and bold leadership to keep educational institutions on the right track in the ever-changing world of education.
In San Joaquin County, one constant has been Janai Stanton, administrative services coordinator for the San Joaquin County Office of Education and recipient of this year’s Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region VII Confidential Employee Administrator of the Year.
“Janai is being recognized for her many years of service to the San Joaquin County Office of Education, San Joaquin County Board of Education, San Joaquin County districts, superintendents, schools, staff and students – working quietly behind the scenes to support SJCOE’s mission – to provide quality education for all children regardless of their circumstances,” said San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools James Mousalimas.
As the administrative services coordinator, Stanton supports the County Superintendent of Schools, County Board of Education, the SJCOE Educational Foundation Board, School District Organization Committee and directly oversees the Public Information and Research
and Grant Development offices. Beyond her official roles, she understands how the daily tasks performed by classified staff, managers, administrators, and teachers come together to complete the larger vision of providing a quality education.
She has worked with other SJCOE staff to develop a seven-month orientation program called “Know & Grow,” where new classified employees are introduced to the many programs and personnel at the SJCOE. As a supervisor, she supports the professional growth of her staff, as seen by the many who have been promoted to other positions.
Under her guidance, the Public Information Office produces the Outlook and other publications. And the Research and Grant Development Office has been responsible for millions in funding for educational programs, included the recent $21 million award for the federal Head Start program.
Stanton has been an SJCOE employee since 1993. In 2002, she was appointed to the Escalon Unified School District Board of Trustees, where she served for 10 years. While on the board she served on the executive committee of the San Joaquin County School Boards Association.
And for the past 15 years she has been a regular volunteer at the Academic Decathlon and other student-focused events for students in the county.
She will be honored at the April 29 ACSA Region VII Spring Conference, which has a theme that reflects Stanton’s career in education: Courageous Leaders Ignite the Dreams of All.