In addition to Teacher of the Year, the HFEE Board has decided to recognize a "Support Staff of the Year," as there are hundreds of individuals within the school district who help enrich students' education through roles such as paraprofessional, special education, office staff, nurses, custodians, technicians and more.

Support Staff of the Year

  • 2024-2025 Recipient:

    2024-2025 Recipient: Jayne Buchman, Primary School Administrative Assistant

    Mrs. Buchman juggles a multitude of tasks on a daily basis —working with parents, students, and staff in a positive way.

    Mr. Reier writes, “Among Jayne’s strengths is her kindness, flexibility and ability to multitask! Her upbeat and positive attitude on a daily basis is amazing!”

    Others who were nominated for this award include JoAnne Cobb, Special Education Paraprofessional at the Intermediate School, Middle School Administrative Assistant Ashley Martinson, High School LMC Aide Tracie Chucka, and Library Aide and PK-K Teacher at HACIL Angie Kennell. All nominees were recognized with "Chamber Bucks."

    L-R: Principal Wade Reier with Jayne Buchman.

  • 2023-2024 Recipient: Kerry Henderson, Paraprofessional in Special Education

    Ms. Henderson is a paraprofessional in special education at the Hayward High School.

    She was nominated by Principal Doug Stark, who highlighted Kerry's willingness to "step up" and "help in any way she can" and to "always have a smile on her face." Mr. Stark has "witnessed many times the excitement in a students facial expressions and hand gestures when Ms. Kerry speaks to them with her ever present smile."

    Ms. Henderson received a silver apple, name recognition on a plaque, and gift certificates to local businesses.

    Nominees included: Laura Hager, Math Interventionist at the Primary School; Intermediate School Paraprofessional Jennifer Strand; and Geri Moen, Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional. These nominees received Chamber Bucks and gift certificates to local businesses as awards for their dedication and strong work ethic.

  • 2022-2023 Recipient: Connie Olson, Special Education Paraprofessional

    From five nominations in this category, HFEE has chosen Intermediate School Special Education Paraprofessional Connie Olson as the inaugural Support Staff of the Year winner. Her nomination written by Principal Ronda Lee states that she "goes above and beyond to help with additional responsibilities such as supervising the breakfast area and the 3rd Grade playground, folding lost and found, cleaning and organizing the lounge, putting up bulletin boards, etc." Connie was awarded gift certificates to local restaurants and the Hayward Area Chamber.

    Others who were nominated for this award include 4K Teacher Aide Stacy Phillips, Middle School Special Education Paraprofessional Monica Berget, Skyward Student Data Specialist Liz Gay, and HACIL Library Director and Financial Assistant Debbie Radzak. All nominees were recognized with "Chamber Bucks."

    HFEE is proud to honor people like Kathryn and Connie who help make the HCSD function well and share their passion and love for helping students develop and grow.

    Pictured L-R HFEE Board Member Brian Achtor, Intermediate School Paraprofessional Connie Olson, HFEE Board Members Amy Sportel and Salle Beckwith.