Classified School Employee of the Year

About the Classified School Employee of the Year Award

Washington’s Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding school employees who go above and beyond to support students, schools, and communities. Each year, every ESD selects one Regional Classified School Employee of the Year through a nomination and evaluation process.

The Regional Classified School Employee of the Year is selected by the end of the current school year, and the State Classified Employee of the Year is selected in mid-late summer or early fall. The State Superintendent announces the State Classified School Employee of the Year in the fall, during the annual award ceremony.

The State Classified School Employee of the Year also serves as Washington’s nominee for the US Department of Education’s national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award.

Regional Winners

• 2024 – Zach Claypool, Kelso School District
• 2023 – Hilda Lail, Vancouver Public Schools
• 2022 – Karie Rolfe, Centerville School District
• 2021 – Nancy Baldwin, Kelso School District
• 2020 – Traicy Brent, Vancouver Public Schools
• 2019 – Marie Stalsberg, Evergreen School District
• 2018 – Julie Ward, Camas School District
• 2017 – Mary Ann Sturdivan, Woodland School District
  2016 – Melanie Green, Evergreen Public Schools
  2015 – Eddie Sawyer, Vancouver Public Schools

Nominate a school employee for Classified School Employee of the Year

2025 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year nominations are now closed. Please check back in January for the next nomination period.

Who Can Nominate?

School districts, colleagues, students, families, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding candidates.

Classified School Employee of the Year Eligibility & Criteria

Please review the eligibility requirements and other details about this years’ awards.

Nominees must:

• Perform exceptional work that earns community respect and admiration
• Demonstrate commitment to professional growth
• Strengthen school-community connections
• Foster a positive school culture through collaboration
• Show a clear connection between their work and student success
• Serve in a non-management classified position
• Commit to continuing in education through the 2025-26 school year
• Not have previously received State or Regional Classified Employee recognition in Washington

How are Classified School Employees of the Year Recognized?

State and Regional Classified School Employees of the Year are recognized at the fall Award Ceremony and may also attend a leadership retreat, with opportunities for ongoing professional development throughout the year.