By SIERRA HORTON

MUSD communication specialist

When you were in school, do you remember a school site assistant or bus driver who always took the time to brighten your day?

 Or perhaps one of the office staff or school counselors who always made a point to help you figure out your next step? 

Maybe the school nurse or cafeteria workers made school feel like a safer space for you. 

These are just a few of the many positions known as “classified” jobs – positions within the education field that do not require a teaching credential.

 At Manteca Unified School District, over 1,300 classified staff contribute to student success every day. 

This year, David Halla was recognized as an MUSD Classified Employee of the Year and the San Joaquin County Office of Education Employee of the Year in the Transportation category for his positive impact on students’ lives and the district as a whole.

 Halla has served as a Warehouseman for MUSD’s Nutrition Education department for 11 years. 

As a warehouseman, he plays a critical role in delivering students' meals from the district’s nutrition facilities to school sites. 

Halla consistently goes above and beyond, volunteering for extra shifts to ensure students are well-fed and can focus on learning at school.

 “Everybody can make a difference in somebody’s life, so that’s what I try to do wherever I go,” Halla said.

He approaches his work with a genuine passion, ensuring each meal reaches students with care and a smile.

 Not only does he make sure students receive their meals, but his interactions with them become a highlight of their day. 

Halla also takes the time to have meaningful connections with colleagues, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported. He embodies the MUSD vision in all that he does.

When asked why he nominated Mr. Halla for Employee of the Year, Nutrition Education Inventory Supervisor Justin Muschott replied, “David is a difference-maker. The students and staff throughout the district love him; it’s a bright spot in their day for him to show up and make his deliveries.”

 Halla’s story is just one of many classified staff who, together with certificated staff, positively impact students’ lives at school every day. To learn more about Halla and MUSD’s Employees of the Year, visit www.mantecausd.net/eoy2025.