Officials with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) honored Antoinette Chambers, executive secretary to the Board of Education, on Nov. 7 as California’s Confidential Employee of the Year.
ACSA’s Administrators of the Year program recognizes excellence across 22 job-alike categories, including superintendent, elementary principal, central office administrator, classified leader, adult education administrator, and confidential employee.
Chambers was first selected as the Region 7 honoree before advancing to the statewide level. At the awards ceremony in San Francisco, she was recognized among peers representing ACSA’s 19 geographic regions across California.
Chambers, known for her steady and reliable approach to work and her calming presence at the District Office, serves as the key support staff to the Board of Education. She works closely with Board trustees and Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Buitrago to support Board governance — a critically important function for ensuring transparency, effective decision-making, and smooth district operations.
“Antoinette’s impact? Inspiring leadership,” said Fallon Ferris, director of human resources. “She leads with authenticity, compassion, and purpose, always centering people in her work.”
Ferris added that Chambers’ partnership with her husband, Maurice, a classroom teacher and coach, “reflects the spirit of Modesto City Schools” through their shared commitment to service and the community.
Colleagues who have worked alongside Chambers describe her as approachable, kind, and consistently dependable. Tina Garrett, analyst II in purchasing, recalled meeting her in 2005 when she stepped into Chambers’ former role.
“Even while navigating her own new responsibilities, Antoinette was always available to answer questions and offer guidance,” Garrett said. “Her patience and willingness to help, despite her own busy transition, left a lasting impression.”
Equity and Intervention Specialist Will Patterson said Chambers’ calm presence has a profound impact.
“Her demeanor stands out,” he said. “She stays so calm in challenging situations that it naturally has a calming effect on others.”
For Mónica Sánchez Lopez, executive assistant to the superintendent, Chambers’ quiet strength and genuine compassion define her leadership approach.
“Antoinette goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the Board of Education and the community we serve,” Lopez shared. “What stands out most is her genuine compassion and the way she quietly lifts those around her.”
Lopez also credited Chambers’ support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as “a saving grace” in a deeply personal time of need.
Board Trustee Chad Brown echoed those sentiments, praising Chambers for her precision and reliability.
“She’s detailed and thorough,” Brown said. “Antoinette ensures everything is done right. She’s a conduit for all information to and from the Board, keeping us fully informed so we can make the right decisions.”
In accepting the statewide honor, Chambers said she was humbled to represent her district and region, adding that the award is not only a recognition of her work but a reflection of “an entire team of professionals who support student success every day.”
When asked about the best advice she’s ever received, Chambers shared the words that have guided her throughout her career: “Listen more than you speak.”