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BCPS Announces Five Finalists for School-Related Employee of the Year Winner to be Named at 2020 Caliber Awards Ceremony
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announces the five 2020 Caliber Awards School-Related Employee of the Year finalists. The award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to students and families across the District.
This year’s finalists include an office manager, administrative assistant, micro-technician and two information management technicians, who have gone above and beyond to ensure BCPS students have the best education experience possible. Their commitment, contribution and support are essential to the overall success of schools and students.
The School-Related Employee of the Year will be named at the 2020 Caliber Awards Ceremony, recognizing the District’s outstanding teachers, principals, assistant principals and school-related employees. The ceremony takes place on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.
Congratulations to the five finalists for the 2020 Caliber Awards School-Related Employee of the Year:
Jane Fleming is the confidential office manager at Pioneer Middle School, where she has served students and families for 28 of her 30 years in the District. In addition to her assigned duties and responsibilities, Fleming assumes a multitude of tasks each day and is also the principal’s secretary. Impeccable, self-motivated, exceptional knowledge in her field and well organized, are just a few of the words used by colleagues to describe her work.
Pioneer Middle Principal Michael Consaul applauds Fleming’s work and collaboration with teachers and staff to create a welcoming supportive environment. “She is an integral part of our team and makes significant contributions to our school on a daily basis,” he said. “Our students, parents and staff alike depend on Ms. Fleming for her support to help teachers to teach and students to learn.”
Hazel Chantel James is the administrative assistant/confidential secretary at Lauderdale Manors Early Learning & Family Resource Center, where she has served for five of her 16 years with the District. She wears many hats and assumes many roles, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that students and families are provided the utmost care and service. She is also an active volunteer who values the opportunity to give of herself to help others.
“Ms. James does an extraordinary job of handling the myriad of tasks and demands of our department,” said Dr. Laurel Thompson, director for Student Services. “She shows compassion for the needs of parents, students and staff, and creates a warm, personable and positive work environment.”
Shenequa Lee has served as the information management technician at Beachside Montessori Village since the school opened 10 years ago. She is responsible for maintaining accurate records of teacher and student data. She considers her co-workers and students as family and demonstrates a commitment to honing her skills to meet students’ individual needs.
“Ms. Lee is a responsible and dedicated employee,” said Beachside Montessori Principal Vered Roberts. “One of her greatest attributes is the relationship she has established with students and staff who know they can count on her. She is a true team player, who is always willing to assist wherever she is needed.”
Amanda Muir serves as the micro-technician at Deerfield Beach Elementary School, where she is responsible for managing the inventory and the maintenance and repairs for over 1,200 pieces of equipment. Although this is her first year at the school, she has been employed in BCPS for 20 years. She works closely with parents to ensure their vast and varied technical support needs are met. She works with administrators and staff to obtain and place new technology tools in classrooms.
Deerfield Beach Elementary Principal Andrew Gerlach believes Muir is one of the school’s greatest assets. “We are truly thankful and lucky to have her. From her drive to her knowledge, to her impeccable customer service, she is a phenomenal employee and person,” he said. “Amanda’s dedication, impeccable customer service and patience cannot be matched.”
Suzanne Specht has served as the information management technician at Plantation Park Elementary School for the past 15 years. She is responsible for maintaining all student registrations, records and data entry. She also takes on other roles and responsibilities because she loves her school, staff, students and families. Usually the first contact parents and families have, she has become the face of the school.
“Ms. Specht handles numerous tasks and demands on her time with grace and always with a smile,” said Plantation Park Elementary Principal Julie Gittelman. “She develops and maintains positive relationships with everyone she comes into contact with.
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting Caliber Awards sponsors include: Aetna, After School Programs, Inc. (ASP), Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association (BPAA), Dell Financial Services, Grand Canyon University, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler School of Education, Pearson and Sunshine After School Child Care, Inc.
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Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 270,000 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 89 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.