Congratulations to Elaine Lessar, long-time administrative secretary at Thurston Middle School, who was selected as this year's Classified Employee of the Year! Thurston Elementary secretary Kathy Laird was the first runner up; Gateways educational assistant Phylicia Bullis was the second runner up.
Elaine has been with the district for nearly 32 years, having started as a bus driver for several years. She's been at Thurston Middle School ever since. She was nominated this year by her principal, Brandi Starck, who called Elaine’s work “exceptional” and said she is a “master of customer service” as well as an excellent bookkeeper – two very importance facets of a school secretary’s job.
“Elaine juggles many tasks and she does so with an ease and professionalism that is unmatched...Elaine is the best secretary I have worked with in my 20 years with the Springfield School District. I truly do not know what I will do next year without her. She has been a champion of Springfield for decades and deserves this recognition.”
The first runner up, Kathy Laird, has been at her school, Thurston Elementary, for a long time as well - since 1999:
“Kathy is the heart of Thurston Elementary School. When anyone is in need, the first person they go to is Kathy Laird. She immerses herself in all of the workings of the school.”
Second runner-up Phylicia Bullis hasn't been with the district very long, but it seems she is making an impact at Gateways: “Phylicia is an extremely calm and valuable presence at the front desk, with an appropriate and ready response to any number of needs….She is very insightful and able to share ideas and practices to help improve our processes, school climate, and student success.”