Four employees were selected for the December 2014 recognition. They were honored at the Dec. 9 school board meeting. Pictured from left to right are:

  • Bill Link, manager, special services department
  • Betty Krauter, registrar, Discovery Middle School
  • Stephanie Bergeron, technology assistant, Discovery Middle School
  • Elmer Rooney, custodian, Franklin Elementary School

The Excellence Award is given to two to four employees or small teams from October to May each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.

If awards are an indication of leadership, then Bill Link is a talented leader. Recently, he received an award for evidence-based research and evaluation. He also drove the effort to secure a $3 million School Climate Transformation Grant, which will expand the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and Response to Intervention work that Bill has championed the last six years. Just as telling of leadership, however, are the comments of those who are led. Said one person, “Bill is someone I would happily work for my entire career with VPS. I think of him as a leader and mentor for all!”

“Disorganized” and “dispassionate” are two adjectives that never, ever have been employed to describe Betty Krauter. As you might guess, she is exactly the opposite: a detail-oriented and thorough-yet-friendly workhorse who has served Discovery since the days of Shumway Middle School. She ticks through a broad list of tasks with startling efficiency. Coordinating student records? Check. Organizing test data? Check. Scheduling conferences? Check. Making lemon bars for the staff? Check. And if that weren’t enough to merit recognition, Betty’s smile is said to be unfailing as she toils to help keep the school running. Her 30-year career is an inspiration!

The name Stephanie Bergeron is synonymous with “Technology 9-1-1” at Discovery. In a digital emergency, she’s the one to call. Stephanie supports technophiles and technophobes alike, and will go to great lengths to ensure that learning continues smoothly. When she’s not solving tech issues, she helps plan assemblies, create lunch announcements and write grants. Stephanie also is a talented photographer whose skills behind the camera produce professional, affordable photos for sports teams and the end-of-year slideshow. Often her fees go into the school’s ASB budget. It’s just one more way she serves the school that she clearly loves.

Ever since former night custodian and proud VPS employee Elmer Rooney temporarily stepped into the daytime custodial position at Franklin, he’s impressed the school community with his efficiency, helpful attitude and joyful spirit. With Elmer in constant motion, the building is immaculately clean and welcoming to visitors, students, parents and staff members. Perhaps just as importantly, Elmer never hesitates to provide a moment of levity or a positive comment. And if you need a hand, he’s always available to offer it. He is a true Franklin Patriot, and his co-workers say that they are fortunate to have him in their midst.

Congratulations to these employees! They join the more than 250 employees who have received the award since 2007.