Classified Administrator of the Year

Director Nutrition Services
Desert Sands Unified School District

Daniel believes strongly that children cannot learn if they do not eat and that equity in the cafeteria is just as important as equity in the classroom. This is his fundamental and core belief that forms every decision and every action within nutrition services. Job number one for Daniel and his department is ensuring that children walk through the school gates, grab breakfast, and head to classrooms with their stomachs full and ready to learn.

He created a farm to school program with local farmers when it was becoming more difficult to procure supplies for meals. This helped mitigate potential losses for farms while successfully addressing supply chain issues. He acquired community eligibility for 18 schools which removed barriers for students and provided them access to free lunch. This achievement also reduced student lunch debt by over $100,000.

Daniel is an icon in Desert Sands Unified School District who is known for his professional demeanor and innovative spirit. As the Director of Nutrition Services, Daniel is a team player that sets clear expectations and shows unmatched support for his department to serve healthy, nutritious meals.

Daniel's Message

Food is my passion. How lucky am I that I was able to take that passion and create a wonderful career. There is no doubt that I am blessed to be in a career that I enjoy, and that allows me to make a difference in the world almost 27,000 children. I joined my team almost seven years ago. From day one, the staff in the kitchen made me look good. These are 170 people who understand that what they do matters. Children cannot learn if they are hungry - the perfect quote to explain our philosophy happened during COVID, when we closed buildings on a Friday and began serving food from parking lots on Monday. A co-worker said, “We’ve got this…it is what we do.” I want to thank every team member - our passionate cafeteria workers, those in our central kitchen, delivery drivers, and the management team. We are united in what we do—feed children. I would like to thank Assistant Superintendent Jordan Aquino and Superintendent Scott Bailey for always listening to me champion opportunities for children as well as our incoming Superintendent, Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar. I also want to thank my friend and PIO, Mary Perry, who listens to my crazy ideas and helps to make them happen. Finally, I want to thank the most important people of all, the students of Desert Sands, my customers who welcome me on campus and give me great menu ideas and occasionally, some not-so-gentle criticism. Thank you for recognizing the importance of Nutrition Services. This award is truly the highlight of my career.