District depends on Hill’s talents

July 29, 2019
Award: Confidential Employee of the Year Name: Gale Hill Title: Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Board of Trustees, San Jacinto Unified School District Region: 19 ACSA highlights: Member since 2015. According to those who depend on her, Gale Hill’s title doesn’t fully describe what she does for the San Jacinto Unified School District. While her duties are to support the superintendent and board of trustees, she has gone well beyond that role in creating a positive district culture that puts student needs first. Hill has worked to elevate student voices, creating a student board member program and Superintendent Student Advisory group. She has raised $40,000 in community gifts to sponsor the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Student of the Month program to recognize high school seniors who are succeeding despite the odds.  Even after 30 years in education, Hill continues to learn and innovate. She is committed to her own professional development by attending ACSA trainings and running a book study. She led the shift to online board agendas and Google District, in addition to creating customer service standards that have transformed how the district does business. Hill is a trusted voice in decision-making at the cabinet level and is credited with turning the sometimes-intimidating superintendent’s office into a welcoming space.  “Gale is my confidant. She has seen me at my worst and best, and has always been by my side to support me, lift me up and encourage me to move forward,” said San Jacinto Unified Superintendent Diane Perez. “She is an asset builder who easily finds the best in everyone and all situations.” What’s your favorite book on leadership? “The 360° Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization” by John Maxwell. I have used this book and workbook as a book study for classified/confidential staff. It really speaks to the fact that anyone can lead in four directions and from any position in the organization.  What’s your favorite leadership quote? “It is true that integrity alone will not make you a leader, but without integrity you will never be one.” — Zig Ziglar What’s the best advice you’ve been given?  In general, always be true to yourself and be honest. At work, always remember in everything we do, ask the question, “Is it best for kids?” What’s your proudest accomplishment? I’m proud of being a founding member on the Hemet-San Jacinto Student of the Month executive board. To listen to some of the student stories and what they go through every day and yet still persevere is so awe inspiring. These kids go through the unimaginable yet not only do they make it to school every day, but they are determined to do well and become successful, productive adults. We have the opportunity to meet the most amazing kids and families, I just wish we could help each one. In the past six years, we have come to the point where sponsors are seeking us out to be part of the program. There is never a dry eye in the room after the kids share their stories. We have attorneys, construction workers, Realtors, bankers, people from all walks of life that just melt when they listen to these kids pour their heart out. The kids are so grateful just to be acknowledged.  Who is someone who inspires you?   In my work, three people have been big inspirations (besides my family). My first is my first “school” boss, Joe Picchiottino. He was a one-of-a-kind elementary principal that everyone hopes their child has the opportunity to have. I volunteered at school and later became a noon supervisor “to get out of the house” (after six kiddos). Everything was always about the kids. You would see him outside picking up trash, weeding, anything that needed to be done.  The next is Dr. Shari Fox, Joe Picchiottino’s AP. They were the perfect team. She was very organized and had everything ready months in advance. When she accepted a job as a director at the district office, she asked if I would come to work for her. At that time, my youngest was ready for middle school, so I agreed. She was so easy and such a joy to work for. She had high expectations and you wanted to live up to them.  The third person is my current boss, Superintendent Diane Perez. She is a mix of both Joe and Shari. She too has a passion for kids and everything is about the kids. She loves crucial conversations and has taught me so much about getting more comfortable having crucial conversations. She has pushed me, and I am very grateful for her leadership and how she has stretched me and helped me to grow.  How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?  ACSA has been great for networking and meeting new people. I’ve learned so much by attending the conferences and workshops. They always have current information that you can relate to. You can connect to the presenters and they have been a great resource for our staff.  It has also been great for reconnecting to people from previous districts. What bucket list item do you hope to accomplish this year?  We started (on a small scale) a mentoring program this past year with our at-risk students and I am planning to mentor a student and encourage others to. We have a real need for mentors, and I have had the chance to see firsthand the difference it can make.
2019 Confidential Employee of the Year Gale Hill.
Gale Hill helped create a student of the month program that honors seniors who have beat the odds.
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