Certificated Staff Employee Handbook
Foreword
Dear Pioneer Union Elementary School District Staff,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
I hope you had an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and recharge for the year ahead. As we begin another school year together, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the work you do and the difference you make for our students every day.
Last year was a year of transition, learning, and growth. Together, we celebrated successes, worked through challenges, and began important work that will help move our district forward. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished and excited about what lies ahead.
This year’s theme, “Laying the Foundation,” reflects the work in front of us. Strong foundations don’t happen by accident. They are built through hard work, consistency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for kids. The work we do this year will help create the foundation for student success for years to come.
We have a lot to be proud of at Pioneer. From our classrooms to our playgrounds, buses, offices, kitchens, and maintenance departments, every employee plays an important role in supporting students. Our strength has always been our people, and I continue to be impressed by the dedication, care, and professionalism I see across the district.
As we move into this school year, we will continue to focus on improving student achievement, strengthening school culture and climate, supporting positive student behavior, and building systems that help both students and staff succeed. These are not district office initiatives, they are collective commitments that require all of us working together.
I know the work is not always easy, but I also know what this team is capable of accomplishing. I believe in our staff, I believe in our students, and I believe our best days are still ahead of us.
I am honored to serve as your Superintendent and look forward to another great year together.
Let’s make it a great year.
Our Vision
The PIONEER Union School District, in partnership with parents and the community, will build the foundation for student academic and social success by ensuring that all students receive rigorous instruction, support and intervention in an enriching environment.
Our Mission
In order to challenge all students to learn, achieve and act with purpose and compassion, the Pioneer Union School District will develop and produce motivated, confident students who will:
- Meet or exceed grade-level academic standards.
- Become life-long learners.
- Effectively communicate.
- Become contributing citizens of the community.
- Be prepared for a successful future.
School Sites & Contact Information
Pioneer Union Elementary School District Office
1888 North Mustang Drive • Hanford, CA 93230 • 559-585-2400 • www.pioneerunion.org
| District Administrative & Business Office Staff | |
|---|---|
| Superintendent | John Raven |
| Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services | Raul Luna |
| Accounting Technician (Accounts Receivable) | Nora Mitre |
| Accounting Technician (Payroll) | Amber LaRue |
| Accounting Technician (Accounts Payable) | Maria Magdaleno |
| Child Care Director (Preschool & Latchkey) | Megan Ruch |
| Data Analyst | Keli Winchester |
| Director of Student Support Services | Nicole Hester |
| Food Services Director | Maria Dixon |
| Human Resources Director | Tina Brooks |
| Intervention/Special Education Director | Richard Flamson |
| Maintenance, Transportation & Operations Director | Chad Cunha |
| Nurse, District | Mary Froberg |
| Secretary, District | Leana “Fawn” Lemons |
| Technology Director | Josh Vogelgesang |
| Transportation Supervisor/Bus Trainer | David Pires |