May 2025 Employees of the Month
GGUSD’s Employee of the Month program is designed to recognize employees who: put others first; go above and beyond to make a difference in their role; carry out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic and demonstrate innovation, leadership, and passion for their job.
Holly Jefferson
Like Chris, Holly also joined the district in 1996, serving as a teacher at Jordan, Lake and Rancho Alamitos until 2014. During her time as a teacher, Holly also served as head basketball coach at La Quinta and Rancho and then as Athletic Director at Rancho from 2007-2014. From 2014 – 2022, Holly served as an Assistant Principal first at Santiago and then at Garden Grove High School. Since 2022, Holly has served as the principal at Irvine Intermediate School where she has fostered an exceptionally positive culture and climate in the “Hawk’s House.” Holly has greatly elevated PBIS at Irvine, opening the SOAR Store which celebrates students for carrying out the school’s expectations. She loves to personally deliver Soar tickets and prizes to students. She’s a hard worker and an empathetic leader who is loved by staff, students and families alike.
Congratulations to Chris Ash and Holly Jefferson, who are joined tonight by family, friends and colleagues.
We will now show a quick video spotlight so that you can see these exemplary employees in action. After the video, we will take a moment for photos with the Board.
Chris Ash
Chris Ash joined the district in 1996 and served as a teacher at Cook Elementary School through 2004 before serving as a K-6 TOSA. From 2005 – 2015, Chris worked in K-12 Educational Services as a Supervisor, Assistant Director and then Director of Evaluation and Research. From 2015-2023, Chris served as principal of Riverdale Elementary before serving as principal of Eisenhower Elementary where he currently serves. Chris is known for being laser-focused on student success. Under his leadership at Riverdale Elementary School, he elevated the school’s use of technology resulting in the school being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and leading to higher academic outcomes. At Eisenhower Elementary School, Chris worked collaboratively with staff, building upon staff’s effective use of data to improve student outcomes which led to Eisenhower Elementary School being named a 2025 California Distinguished School. He’s also been a big supporter of the school’s popular and successful Disney Musicals in Schools program. His ability to bring people together is evident in the school’s Community Schools work which is expanding opportunities to help students succeed.