Campbell County honors educational employees and forms staff-recognition committee

The Campbell County School District honored an educational support personnel employee of the year and a teacher of the year at its August meeting and announced a new staff-recognition committee to study ways to expand district staff awards.
The ESP award: District staff said a nine-person committee reviewed 25 nominations and interviewed finalists before selecting Jackie Holden as the educational support personnel (ESP) employee of the year. Novak Elementary principal Lenny Lehi introduced Holden, saying she is "beyond a doubt one of the district's greatest assets" and that she "lives" the school's mission. Holden, accepting the recognition, said she was "so humbled and so honored" and thanked colleagues and family.
The teacher award: The board's teacher-of-the-year committee received 51 nominations and narrowed finalists before selecting Beth Fabian of Thunder Basin High School. Principal Mike Daniel described Fabian's 22-year career in the district and noted she serves as the district's world language facilitator. Fabian told the board, "The honor is getting to teach in CCSD and to get to work with kids every day. This is all I've ever wanted to do my whole life." Board members praised both winners and acknowledged the number of staff who support classrooms.
Recognition committee: Trustees said they would form a staff-recognition committee to examine potential enhancements to how the district recognizes employees. Trustee Greg McHarwood said he and a co-chair would invite representatives that include ESP staff, certified staff and administrators, and possibly parents and students, to ensure broad representation.
Why it matters: District leaders said public recognition helps retain staff and highlights daily work that supports student learning. Board members urged nominations from the community and said recognition programs will continue to be promoted through the district website and outreach.