Provo School Board honors 17 "Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools," names Lily Bueno district Teacher of the Year

The Provo City School Board of Education recognized dozens of staff members at its May 13 meeting, awarding 17 teachers the state incentive for Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools and naming Provo High teacher Lily Bueno as the district’s 2024–25 Teacher of the Year.

The awards began with a presentation about the Effective Teachers in High Poverty Schools program. Michelle Eldridge, who presented the program background to the board, said the incentive is tied to state assessments and that "the teachers do receive that full $7,000 stipend for this award." She explained qualifying schools in the district are Franklin, Spring Creek and Timpanogos and described the growth thresholds used for the award: 85% typical-or-better growth on Acadience and a 70% median growth percentile (MGP) on RISE, measured on data from two years prior.

The board announced 17 qualifying teachers from Timpanogos, Spring Creek and Franklin elementary schools. Eldridge told the board the state pays half of each stipend and the district pays the other half. The board then presented certificates and handshakes to award recipients.

Glenn Lockwood presented the district Teacher of the Year nominees and said the district community voted to choose the winner. After introducing nominees from across elementary, middle and high schools, Lockwood announced Lily Bueno from Provo High as the 2024–25 District Teacher of the Year.

The meeting continued with recognition of employee support professionals, technical staff, counselors, administrators and other categories. Jason Cox and other presenters introduced honorees and described accomplishments such as internship expansions, STEM coordination and bilingual education leadership. The board offered public applause and thanks to the employees.

The recognitions also included student board member acknowledgements: outgoing student board members Monica Tuaone (Tempeau High) and Hutch Follett (Provo High) were awarded cords they can wear at graduation and $1,000 scholarships for post‑secondary education or future plans; an incoming student board member, Rachel Rue (Tempeau High), was introduced.

The board did not take formal policy action in this portion of the meeting; the awards and scholarships were ceremonial recognitions and district-administered incentives. Presenters noted program rules and funding sources when relevant: Eldridge referenced state rule and the assessment thresholds that determine eligibility for the $7,000 stipend.

Board members and the superintendent praised staff and emphasized the awards are part of the district’s retention and recognition efforts.

The board moved on to business items after the recognition segment.