Yelm Community Schools board recognizes transportation, technology and student-information staff

The Yelm Community Schools Board on March 27 honored staff in three operational departments: technology, student information services and transportation.

The board said the awards recognize day-to-day work that supports teaching and learning across the district.

Dr. Lisa Caro Smith introduced the awards and called out technology, student information services and transportation as “vital to our district's success.” John Maynard, the district director of technology, presented the Excellence in Technology Services award. The district praised the recipient, identified in remarks as Jake (Jacob Vaughn or Jacob Vaughn was referenced), for building a durable technology foundation: “Jake is an incredible person and employee. He works tirelessly to achieve greatness, and the district's technology footprint is living proof of that,” Maynard said.

Kurt Foray presented the Excellence in Student Information Services award to Nike Victory; the remarks noted the award recognizes careful management and safeguarding of student data and that that award had been celebrated the previous day in a department event.

Jeff Adams, director of transportation, and Jason Roberts, assistant director of transportation, presented the Excellence in Transportation Services award to an employee identified as Jason (last name not specified in the transcript). Adams said the employee was contracted in February 2018, had missed only 1.5 days of work, and “has been very excellent at constructive criticism” and leadership. Roberts said the recipient “spearheaded some great ideas” and noted a route that has not been canceled.

Ending: Board members thanked the honored staff during the meeting; the recognitions were intended to spotlight behind-the-scenes work that supports students and school operations.