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

• 2025 – Paul Richie, Kelso School District
  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

2026 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year nominations are now closed.

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

Any classified school employee is eligible if they are:

• Currently working in a non-executive management position at a public school.
• Planning to continue in that role through the following school year.
• Have not previously been named a Regional or State Classified School Employee of the Year.

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.