Board discusses teacher-appreciation spotlight program, asks staff to draft plan

Board member Molly Matthews proposed a recurring employee-recognition program to highlight teachers, classified staff, transportation, food service and custodians.

Matthews said the idea emerged from a state conference and emphasized low cost and high morale benefits: weekly or monthly spotlights, social-media shout-outs, a modest cash or gift card reward sponsored by local businesses, and a quarterly luncheon for honorees. She proposed recognizing both certified and classified staff and suggested nominations from colleagues, principals and parents.

Board members supported the concept and asked Matthews to collect ideas and create a draft. Suggestions from other members included a simple nomination form, a rotating schedule to ensure coverage across schools and grade bands (K–5, 6–8, 9–12), and using district communications channels to amplify recognition. The board agreed to gather proposals and discuss them at a future work session; no budgeted funds or formal motions were approved at the meeting.

Ending: The board asked staff and Matthews to prepare draft program language and implementation options for the next work session and to consider a start at the beginning of the next school year.