State Superintendent honors classified staff
13 people from across the state receive award
OLYMPIA - May 15, 2009
— Thirteen school employees from
across the state were recognized by State Superintendent of
Public Instruction Randy I. Dorn at an awards ceremony today in
the Washington State Senate chambers. The Classified Employee
Excellence Awards recognizes classified staff members who have
made a positive difference in their profession and in their
schools. A selection committee of school administrators, parents,
classified staff and education association representatives selected
recipients based on four criteria:
1. Demonstration of outstanding work performance.
2. Evidence of how the candidate supports students and
colleagues.
3. Description of the candidate’s role in a special project or
assignment.
4. Other unique qualities or circumstances.
The awards were proposed by State Superintendent Dorn during
his tenure as the executive director of the Public School
Employees of Washington, a union representing classified
employees, and were approved by the 2007 Legislature.
"We are honored to have so many talented and innovative
individuals as a part of our education team here in Washington,"
Dorn said. "Classified staff members are essential to the success
of our schools, and these thirteen individuals stand out. They are
examples of dedication, creativity and teamwork, and I am
humbled by their enormous contributions."
Classified employees in Washington state number more than
78,000. They include "paraeducators" — classroom and computer
assistants, tutors, translators and others who support teachers —
as well as security officers, custodians, secretaries, cooks, bus
drivers and other individuals in positions that don’t require
academic certification.
The Classified Employees Excellence Award is administered by
the State Superintendent’s Office in collaboration with Public
School Employees of Washington, PEMCO Insurance and School
Employees Credit Union of Washington who sponsor a banquet
following the ceremony.
Classified
Employees
Excellence Award
winners
Julia Barber
,
Physical Therapy
Assistant
Larchmont
Elementary School,
Tacoma School
District
Kathryn Baselt
,
Educational Assistant
Mullenix Ridge
Elementary School,
South Kitsap School
District
Wesley Benefiel
,
School Bus Driver
District
Transportation,
Tumwater School
District
Susan Brown
,
Elementary Librarian
Virginia Grainger
Elementary School,
Okanogan School
District
Paula DeLucia
,
Educational Assistant
Issaquah Valley
Elementary School,
Issaquah School
District
Beth Filion
, High
School Head
Secretary
Press Releases - OSPI
Page 1 of 3
http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2009/ClassifiedStaffAward... 5/26/2009
Camas High School,
Camas School District
Linda Holtorf
,
Student Systems
Coordinator
Newel Rice
,
Information Systems
Manager
District Office, Everett
Public Schools
Jennifer McMillan
,
Family Services
Coordinator
Fruit Valley
Community Learning
Center, Vancouver
Public Schools
Linda McQuade
,
Secretary to Director
of Assessment
District Office,
Peninsula School
District
Susan Meeks
,
Educational Assistant
Liberty High School,
Issaquah School
District
Kathy Meyer
, KITE
Special Education
Paraprofessional
Woodland Elementary
School, Puyallup
School District
Barbara Williams
,
At-Risk Student
Advocate
Mountain View High
School, Evergreen
Public Schools
Press Releases - OSPI
Page 2 of 3
http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2009/ClassifiedStaffAward... 5/26/2009
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Old Capitol Building, PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA? 98504-7200
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(360) 725-6000??TTY (360) 664-3631
Press Releases - OSPI
Page 3 of 3
http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2009/ClassifiedStaffAward... 5/26/2009
