Tiffin City Schools honors staff with Chris Lapp Awards for service and leadership

The Tiffin City Schools Board of Education on the meeting agenda recognized two employees as recipients of the district's Chris Lapp Awards.

Dave Bushes, custodian at Washington K-1 Elementary, received the classified Chris Lapp Award. Jennifer Watson, principal at Washington K-1, nominated Bushes, citing his reliability, daily greeting of students, proactive maintenance and willingness to volunteer on weekends. Watson said Bushes “shares information with teachers, staff, and students about safety concerns,” helps set up and clean up school events, and mentors newer custodial staff. At the board meeting Bushes thanked his family and colleagues and said he appreciates working with the district’s maintenance team.

Ryan Otte, a social studies teacher at Columbia High School, received the certified Chris Lapp Award. Jed Lutz, Columbia Middle School assistant principal, nominated Otte and credited him with long-term commitment to instruction, leadership development and coaching. The nomination noted that Otte had developed and co-instructed a high school leadership class that partners older and younger students for community service and that he was named Northwest Coaches District assistant coach of the year in 2023. Otte told the board he is proud to be part of Tiffin City Schools and thanked colleagues and administrators for their support.

The board president and other members offered congratulations. The recognitions were presented during the meeting’s presentations section before routine business items.