Senator Anthony J. Portantino was honored by the California School Employees Association (CSEA) for his leadership and support of public education. The Senator of the Year Award was presented to the senator during the organization’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Jose.

“I have always been proud to support our public education system and our classified school employees. From bus drivers to office staff and maintenance workers to a myriad of campus jobs, these dedicated people do so much to make our schools function efficiently,” said Senator Portantino. “I have worked closely with CSEA to advocate for a more equitable school funding system and better campus conditions for students, faculty and staff. I am humbled to have received this amazing recognition.”

Senator Portantino has been working closely with CSEA to push forward policies that benefit classified employees, students and communities, including SB 98. The measure, authored by the senator, seeks to change and modernize California’s school funding formula from attendance based to enrollment based. Both of Senator Portantino’s children attended public schools and the senator and his spouse are also public school graduates.

The California School Employees Association is the largest classified school employee union in the United States, representing nearly 250,000 school support staff throughout California. CSEA was formed in 1927 and continues to thrive as a member-run union with 800 local chapters throughout California. The annual conference is the organization’s biggest event, during which delegates gather from across the state to set the course for CSEA’s future.