Nominees for a Staff of the Year Award are nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and/or community members through a letter of support highlighting the nominee’s commitment to education, professional development, and dedication to the West Fargo community. Each nominee’s supervisor is then asked to submit an evaluation indicating their support, and wishes, for the nominee to be selected as the award’s recipient. The program’s selection committee, comprised of community leaders, School Board members, past award recipients, retired and current administrators, selects one nominee to receive the Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year Award, one nominee to receive the Classified Staff of the Year Award, and one nominee to receive the Administrative Staff of the Year Award.

The nomination process is open to the entire community, allowing parents, students, alumni, or any stakeholder to nominate an employee for a Staff of the Year Award.

To be considered for this award, an individual must be a valuable asset to the West Fargo Public Schools community, but also to the West Fargo community as a whole. We ask that those who are nominated have the drive to continue growing in their professional life and be engaged in the broader community of West Fargo through volunteer work, civic responsibilities, or other leadership opportunities. All nominees must be employed with the district for a minimum of 2 ½ years at the time of nomination.

When applicable, the Public Relations Department submits the award recipients for consideration in their respective state or national award category. Prior to final submission of this material, the Public Relations Department works with the recipient to ensure submission approval and completion.

CLASSIFIED STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD

Staff with the following titles may be nominated for the Classified Staff of the Year Award: food service worker, custodian, paraprofessional (office, classroom, transportation, special education, etc.), bus driver, pool manager, cook manager, executive assistant, administrative assistant, food service coordinator, food service operations supervisor, central maintenance worker, assistant mechanic, transportation route supervisor, technology support assistant, interpreter, building engineer, mechanic, transportation operations supervisor, facilities supervisor, accounting technician, English learner liaison, human resources specialist, public relations specialist, human resources generalist, payroll specialist, purchasing specialist, technology support technician, custodial services manager, theater technician, electrician, grounds services & athletic fields coordinator, payroll supervisor, webmaster, social worker, data analyst, systems analyst, database specialist, school nurse, accountant, human resources manager, network engineer, technical support services coordinator, certified occupational therapy assistant, behavior technician, and lead behavior technicians.

PROFESSIONAL/LICENSED STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD

Staff with the following titles may be nominated for the Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year Award: dean of students, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, instructional coach, library media specialist, psychologist, counselor, teacher (all grades, all subjects).

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARD

Staff with the following titles may be nominated for the Administrative Staff of the Year Award: high school principal; middle school principal; elementary principal; high school assistant principal; middle school assistant principal; elementary school assistant principal; business manager; director of special education; assistant director of special education; director of transportation; director of food service; director of health, safety, and public relations; director of accounting; director of curriculum and instruction; director of buildings and grounds; director of career and technical education; director of human resources; director of technology; special programs principal; activities director; aquatics director; special education coordinator; educational equity coordinator; curriculum coordinator; technology integration specialist; behavior specialist; theater technology specialist; elementary assistant superintendent; secondary assistant superintendent; and director of behavior health and wellness.