2020 Bonar Street, Suite 206, Berkeley, CA 94702
Tel: 510.644.6150 | Fax: 510.644.6151*
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
For Employment Verifications and Personnel file reviews please contact HR@Berkeley.net
Department Overview
The Human Resources Department is at the heart of every organization. Recruiting, selecting, staffing and hiring the best candidate is an important task. Highly qualified teachers and top performing support staff are the key to successful schools. In addition, Human Resources provide daily guidance and support for district employees. The HR Team is committed to their Mission, Vision, and Beliefs:
Mission
The mission of the Human Resources Team is to be responsive to employees’ needs, to establish a bridge to other departments and to provide quality customer service.
Vision
The vision of the Human Resources Team is to recruit, hire, develop, support, and retain the most qualified and culturally competent staff to support the academic achievement and advancement of all students.
Beliefs
We believe….
…our employees are our best and most valuable asset.
…we can provide friendly, accurate, and timely customer service.
…in cooperative and collaborative team work.
…we are one team that respects and supports each other.
Open Certificated Positions
All open certificated Berkeley Unified school district jobs are listed online at edjoin.org! Click here to apply electronically.
More information on job fairs and other certificated recruiting is found on our Teaching Positions page.
Open Classified Positions
All open classified Berkeley Unified school district jobs are listed online! Click here to apply electronically.
Classified Job Descriptions
Click here for current classification and position descriptions.
Employee Forms and Information Webpage
This page serves employees with links to frequently requested forms, policies, and administrative regulations.
Additional Information
- Employee Handbook 2019-20
- Substitute Teachers’ Handbook 2023-24
- Holiday Calendar for 2023-24
- Teacher Induction Program (TIP)
- Human Resources and Personnel Commission Organizational Chart
- Union Contracts, Calendars and Salary Schedules
Contact Us
Review this HR Contact Sheet if you are unsure who to contact in the department.
| Name | Position | Contact Information |
| Samantha Tobias-Espinosa | Assistant Superintendent | Phone: 510-644-6229 Email: samanthatobiasespinosa@berkeley.net |
| Rhonda Cervantes | Executive Assistant II (Confidential) | Phone: 510-644-6229 Email: rhondacervantes@berkeley.net |
| VACANT | Director of Human Resources | Phone: 510-644-4580 |
| Málika Upshur | Senior Human Resources Analyst, (Confidential) | Phone: 510-644-8924 Email: malikaupshur@berkeley.net |
| Elizabeth James | Human Resources Specialist, Certificated (Confidential) | Phone: 510-644-6152 Email: bettyjames@berkeley.net |
| Lona Kelly | Senior Human Resources Technician | Phone: 510-644-6417 Email: lonakelly@berkeley.net |
| Nestor Aliga, Jr | Senior Human Resources Technician | Phone: 510-898-9116 Email: nestoraliga@berkeley.net |
| Larona Custer | Senior Human Resources Technician | Phone: 510-644-6270 Email: laronacuster@berkeley.net |
| VACANT | Human Resources Technician | Phone: 510-644-4539 Email: hr@berkeley.net |
| Paisley Dews | Human Resources Technician | Phone: 510-898-9086 Email: paisleydews@berkeley.net |
| Charlie Castillo | Executive Director, Classified Personnel – Personnel Commission | Phone: 510-644-8636 Email: charliecastillo@berkeley.net |
| Sarah Goodwin | Administrative Assistant III | Phone: 510-898-9125 Email: sarahgoodwin@berkeley.net |
| Erin Ariñez | Classified Personnel Supervisor, Personnel Commission | Phone: 510-644-8975 Email: erinarinez@berkeley.net |
| Brian Westover | Human Resources Technician, Personnel Commission | Phone: 510-644-4808 Email: brianwestover@berkeley.net |
| Olga Villanueva | Human Resources Technician, Personnel Commission | Phone: 510-486-9307 Email: olgavillanueva@berkeley.net |