Roy Melendez, Employee of the Year
Every so often a person comes around who makes a profound impact on the community. For El Monte City School District, this remarkable person is Roy Melendez. Assessment and Research Specialist II, Rodolfo “Roy” Melendez was awarded Employee of the Year for 2025. Roy has served the community for over 20 years in various capacities. As a former student of the district, Roy strives daily to give back to the students and staff of EMCSD in any way he can. His dedication shines through his work and his demeanor.
Roy’s legacy began as an EMCSD student at Rio Hondo School. “I enjoyed my experience [there], it was great to get to know a diverse community and get a different perspective on life”. When asked what made Roy want to pursue a career at EMCSD, he replied, “I always wanted to give back to my community.” Roy’s role in the district is vital as he has been instrumental in developing and implementing data-driven strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. His work involves analyzing student performance data, designing assessment tools, and collaborating with educators to inform instructional practices.
Beyond his expertise, Roy is deeply respected among his colleagues. Dr. Rudy Torres, Director of Instruction, describes Roy as, “An incredible individual, he’s an incredible person. He presents himself as an individual who authentically cares for the individuals he works with”. Roy’s exceptional qualities and dedication to the district have not gone unnoticed, thus earning him this prestigious recognition.
Upon finding out about his new Employee of the Year title, Roy said “I’m still in shock! Finding out and then coming to the reality of it—it was never something I sought out.” A true pillar of the EMCSD community, Roy does all he can to be of service, “I want to be able to help my colleagues with whatever work they need to do. This is the type of person I am; I want to work as hard as I can for those who need the information”.
The surprises don’t stop there! At EMCSD’s recent board meeting, Roy learned he was also named the Employee of the Year for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Teresa Pinedo, emphasized how deserving Roy is of this recognition by stating, “He is the most caring, genuine person. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, to get your job done. He wants everyone to be successful”.
A legacy to the EMCSD community, Roy Melendez exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, humility, and hard work. His journey from student to dedicated employee serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make when they choose to invest in their community. Roy’s influence will resonate far beyond this year’s award, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all who have the privilege of working with him.