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The support of school-related employees is invaluable to the effective and successful operation of Broward County Public Schools. Twenty-one individuals from around the District were named as finalists for Broward’s School-Related Employee of the Year 2006-2007, and were honored at a ceremony at the Chairman’s Club of the BankAtlantic Center, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise.
The finalists were:
Pam Bittner, Microcomputer Technology Specialist
Wilton Manors Elementary School
Twelve years ago, while her children attended Wilton Manors Elementary School, Pam Bittner became a very active volunteer at their school. As she continued to volunteer, Pam also studied hard, and eight years ago became an employee. Initially working with the mainstreamed autistic students as a paraprofessional, she now shares her love of all children as a Microcomputer Technology Specialist. The children anxiously wait their lab time so that Mrs. Bittner can help them improve their reading and math skills. She collaborated on a “Passport to Peace” program and during the first year of the program behavior referrals decreased by forty-one percent.
Pam works in constant collaboration with ETS to ensure that more than two hundred computers are well maintained. She always gets the job done and that comes at a price. Pam can often be seen at the school on Saturdays, or right after a hurricane, making sure that equipment is safe. Evenings are often spent compiling the quarterly newsletter or during the summer, upgrading the student broadcasting studio. Pam Bittner’s dedication to her school, her community, and her family are exemplary.
Laura (Lori) Bolte, Office Manager-Confidential
James S. Rickards Middle School
Who is the first person people meet when they come to Rickards Middle School? Lori Bolte! She is an ambassador of good will and her love of people shines through. As Office Manager/Confidential Secretary, Mrs. Bolton wears many hats. She coordinates customer service training for the clerical staff and leads by example. Mrs. Bolton has also provided cross training in the office to ensure back-up for each job function. Therefore, they are never short of personnel to complete all essential tasks.
Mrs. Bolte is an active member of SAC, SAF and PTSA and has helped to increase the school’s partnerships. In addition, she helps plan and implement the “Rock the FCAT” community involvement activity for more than 500 children and adults. Her caring nature and compassion for the students and staff of Rickards Middle School puts her in a class by herself. She always goes above and beyond to ensure that the needs of all students and staff are met.
Fernando M. Borda, Journeyman Electrician, PPO Zones 3 and 4
South Area Maintenance
When a voltage problem was found in the classroom receptacles at Embassy Creek Elementary, Mr. Borda was part of an electrical team sent to the school to solve the problem. He determined that surge protectors were creating similar problems with the transformer and replaced them in time to stop any further damage to the new transformer.
When a contractor damaged the pole lights at Palm Cove Elementary School, Mr. Borda was able to work with another electrician to locate the damage very quickly. His willingness to step up to the plate to help is exemplary. Fernando is one of the few employees ready to assume the responsibilities of weekend coverage to keep school facilities running 24/7. This means for an entire weekend, day or night, Fernando puts aside time off with his family to be ready to respond to unexpected failures at a moment’s notice. Fernando is respected not only as a tradesman, but also in the way he treats and respects others.
Annie L. Callaway, Office Manager-Confidential
Castle Hill Elementary
Enter Castle Hill Elementary School and you will receive a warm, welcoming smile from Annie Callaway. As Confidential Secretary/Office Manager, Mrs. Callaway shares her love with children, parents, staff, and the community in equal proportions.
In her thirty-plus years of service, Annie has worn many hats. She has been in the North Area Superintendent’s office and the Central Area Superintendent’s office, but Annie’s true calling is with the students and staff at Castle Hill Elementary School. Mrs. Callaway goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist staff members with benefits, insurance, leave of absence and certification issues. She dedicates untiring hours to parent, faculty and staff meetings and welcomes special guests. Her extra attention to detail makes her an employee you can count on in all circumstances.
James C. Curran, Building Operations Supervisor
Cooper City High School
In the twenty-two years that Jamie Curran has been employed at Cooper City High School, he has earned the respect of the students, teachers, and parents. He worked his way up from the position of groundskeeper/yardman to his current position of Building Operations Supervisor. Jamie has earned the respect of Area and District personnel, as well as outside contractors for his knowledge of the school’s physical operations.
The teachers look at Jamie Curran, not only as a Building Operators Supervisor, but also as an instructional colleague. They witness his interaction with the students -- he knows many of them by name. Parents and visitors are impressed with how well the grounds of the school are maintained, as well as the building itself, and they know it’s thanks to Jamie Curran and his staff. As an active advisor in the student government program, a coach of the flag football team, and an informal mentor in the best buddies club, the students wholeheartedly support him. Mr. Curran is known as the hub of the school!
Joyce Dehn, Budgetkeeper
BECON Distance Learning
What sets Joyce Dehn apart from the average employee is her level of dedication to the success of BECON and its staff members. As Budgetkeeper for the Broward Education Communications Network (BECON) Distance Learning Department, Mrs. Dehn always plans ahead to ensure the department operates in a highly efficient fiscal manner. She takes pride in ensuring that all invoices are paid in a timely manner, purchase orders are opened and maintained throughout the year, payroll is processed efficiently, and materials are ordered and received without delay. In addition, Joyce was instrumental in setting up the department’s voicemail messaging system.
After Hurricane Wilma, much of the signage on campus disappeared or was damaged. Joyce volunteered to participate in a meeting with District maintenance staff to replace those signs on the buildings and in the parking lot. Mrs. Dehn also collaborates with the Head Facility Serviceperson to maintain a clean and hygienic building.
Joyce continually upgrades her technical skills and is always happy to share that knowledge with staff. These job related activities are just small examples of Joyce’s big heart. Her positive perspective and creativity make her a treasured employee and a key to the department’s success.
Diawantee Doman, Clerk Specialist IV
Health Education Services
Working full-time as a Clerk Specialist IV in the Health Education Department is only one of Lily (as she is affectionately known) Doman’s accomplishments. She just received her undergraduate degree in psychology, has achieved her real estate broker’s license and takes on the responsibilities as office manager of the Student Support Services and Exceptional Student Education Department when the office manager is absent.
Having the ability to work diligently and stay focused on the results has enabled Lily to take on the major project of handling Florida Kid Care applications. They had to be distributed to schools in a short turnaround time and this was accomplished flawlessly.
Lily’s calm demeanor and excellent work ethic have earned her the respect of her fellow workers, department heads, community providers and School Board Members. She is able to focus on the job at hand and encourages her cohorts to work together to complete the assignment in a timely manner.
Dorothy Fisher Reid, Clerk Typist II
Palmview Elementary School
When parents and visitors enter the main office of the school, they are always greeted by Ms. Reid’s warm inviting voice. She has the ability to diffuse difficult situations with her calming demeanor. Dorothy can determine the cause of the problem, comfort the individual, and allow the teacher or administrator to work with the person in a professional manner.
As Clerk Typist II Confidential, Ms. Reid has a vision and works tirelessly to accomplish it. She coordinates and implements numerous school-wide initiatives, events and activities. She has earned the official title of “Palmview’s Special Events Coordinator.” In addition to her regular duties, Dorothy provides tasteful cuisine and prizes for the PTA and SAC meetings. Ms. Reid coordinates all annual and monthly school-wide events such as the Annual Volunteer/Partnership Breakfast, Welcome Back Staff Breakfast, Open House, SACS Visitations, and Zone Meetings. Dorothy Reid is admired and respected by her colleagues for her expertise and willingness to help others. Her smile and sincere happiness brighten everyone’s day.
Leonard Fudge, Head Facilities Serviceperson
North Area Superintendent’s Office
In his capacity as Head Facilities Serviceperson, Mr. Fudge has been a tremendous asset to the North Area staff for more than six years. His “can do” attitude makes even the most difficult task seem minimal in scope. When he first came to the office, the aging building was in need of repair. Leonard took on the task with fervor coming up with solutions to meet the needs of a large, diverse 100+ staff. As the plans for the new facility emerged, Leonard provided valuable input. As a part of the team, he transitioned the staff from aging building, to portables, and back to the remodeled facility. The job required a lot of planning, coordination and muscle. Leonard was there with his positive attitude to lead the charge.
When hurricanes created an additional workload, Leonard was there to provide assistance and guidance wherever possible. He provided assistance both at the North Area Superintendent’s Office and the KCW building. His compassion for everyone is evident from the moment you meet him. He has earned the respect of the North Area administrators, staff members, and his peers.
Thomas Eugene Harden, Head Facility Serviceperson
Park Ridge Elementary School
Over the past sixteen years, Thomas Eugene Harden has worked for numerous principals and has never deviated from his work ethic. As Head Facilities Serviceperson, he keeps the more than thirty-five-year-old Park Ridge Elementary School in pristine condition. The grounds are perfectly manicured with his tender loving care. Every morning you will find Mr. Harden outside the perimeter of the school picking up trash and greeting the children with his warm and friendly smile. He teaches the children daily to take pride in their school by leading by example.
Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of working at or visiting Park Ridge knows Mr. Harden’s floors are his pride and joy. As you walk the hallways, you will see your in the reflection in the shining floors. He is relentless with keeping a rigorous schedule of sweeping, polishing, and buffing. Thomas is a man of great faith and honor. He has served as mentor and counselor to many adults, parents, students, and his peers. His goal is to insure all students have the best environment possible in which to learn.
Pamela King, Community Liaison
Sanders Park Elementary School
Pamela King has a vision and works tirelessly as the Community Liaison to accomplish it for Sanders Park’s students, staff, and the entire school. She works collaboratively with all faculties and has developed an especially close working relationship with members of each grade level. Pamela has developed partnerships with teachers and parents to build successful relationships, sought out and acquired several new Partners In Education. She fits in comfortably with a group of professional educators who are serious about their work but also know when it is the right time to joke and relax. Pamela’s professionalism is a well-balanced blend of competence, experience, and cordiality.
Mrs. King demonstrates her commitment to student learning, staff moral, parental involvement and business partnerships by coordinating numerous school-wide programs and events. The program and events include: The BTIP Program, The Foster Grandparent Program, Volunteer Program, Career Day, Health Fair, Volunteer/Partnership Breakfast, Clothing Drive and Awards Night. Mrs. King’s qualifications and qualities make a major impact in helping Sanders Park achieve its vision and mission.
Jimmy A. Lavoie, Local Area Network Coordinator
Education Technology Services – Network Integration
The name Jimmy Lavoie has become a “household word” in the schools across the district. As part of his logistical management of the Student Technology Refresh Program, he worked to coordinate the expeditious removal of over 30,000 pieces of older, out-of-service computer equipment from the storerooms and hallways of Broward’s schools. He has worked tirelessly to field calls from
schools throughout the district and efficiently and equitably dispatch 15 support staff every day to help school technical support staff meet the daunting challenge of keeping all of their school’s technology operational and current.
His most recent assignment has been to coordinate the replacement of tens of thousands of potentially dangerous laptop batteries in both Dell and Apple Computers. Jimmy is able to take on huge tasks with full determination and caring. He’s a team player and is always ready to return a phone call or E-mail with a pleasant attitude.
Suzanne Mack, Business Affairs Specialist
Supply Management and Logistics
For thirty-three years, Suzanne Mack has performed a variety of complex and diversified duties. She not only assisted with computer-related support, she also has exceptional secretarial skills. As Business Affairs Specialist, Suzanne has created both computer and non-computer procedures for staff to follow. Spreadsheets and databases set up as early as 1993 are still being used in the office where, at the click of a button, the range is selected, database is sorted, and extracted to different areas of the spreadsheet, and multiple reports can be generated.
Ms. Mack was also instrumental in preparing material for the 2006 Achievement in Excellence in Procurement Award, an honor received by the department. She demonstrated her leadership qualities while working through the transition of four different Directors, two interim Managers, and performed effectively in the absence of a director and manager.
Patricia A. Morette, Office Manager – Confidential
Oakridge Elementary School
Who is the Confidential Office Manager Superwoman at Oakridge Elementary School? Staff will tell you its Patricia Morette! This twenty-nine year employee has been able to keep up with the advent of innovative technology and to share that knowledge with the school staff. She seeks out ways to meet the needs of teachers, staff, parents and students, whether it’s payroll questions, substitute searches, or after-school childcare information.
Ms. Morette creates and publishes the monthly newsletter, making sure the key components are translated into Spanish for that segment of the school community. The School Advisory Council, Safety Team, and Leadership Team have utilized her problem-solving skills.
Since Patricia is the first line of contact with students and families, she personally escorts new arrivals to their classrooms, introduces them to their new teachers, and insures that parents are aware of arrival and dismissal procedures. Additionally, she has been known to stay long beyond the end of her workday to await the arrival of a parent caught in traffic to be certain the student is safely picked up. She is Oakridge Elementary’ School’s Wonder Woman!
Susan Pitt, Budget Analyst
North Central Area Office
Do you have a budget problem and don’t know how to solve it? Go to Susan Pitt and if she doesn’t know the answer, she knows where to find it. As a Budget Analyst, Susan exemplifies reliability, accuracy, honesty and integrity in the work place. She is a creative, resourceful person who frequently brings innovative approaches to her assigned work duties. She has excellent written and verbal communication skills and is highly respected by fellow employees, principals and area staff.
When Susan worked at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, she streamlined the expense/reimbursement and ordering processes. In addition, she wrote the Bookkeeping Procedures Manual. She brought these skills and more to the North Central Area Office. The schools continue to call for Ms. Pitt’s assistance, which she gives willingly. Susan recently completed her Master’s Degree in International Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University and values her home life with her son.
Adriana Maria Punziano, Cafeteria Manager
South Broward High School
Students are Adriana Punziano’s primary focus. She encourages her staff to make each student feel very important. In addition, she supports the school community with special menus to coordinate with the school’s promotions. She provided a “soul” menu to coincide with Black History Month and a special menu on Teacher Appreciation Day, among other events. Mrs. Punziano readily volunteers for assignments beyond her daily duties. She organized the Summer Feeding Program for twenty-eight different sites last summer. She and one other worker provided close to 1,000 meals each day to parks and recreation programs. She has organized fund-raising drives for families of the victims of 9/11, as well as sending packages to the U. S. soldiers in Iraq.
As the mother of a profoundly handicapped child, she is an advocate of all children with special needs. She encourages ESE students’ participation in cafeteria promotions. For example, during National Breakfast Week, Adriana helped them present a skit for the other students entitled “I Am Breakfast.” It was quite a success.
Ruby Snell, Community Liaison
Sunland Park Elementary School
For eleven years, Community Liaison Ruby Snell has worked tirelessly with students, parents, and the community to provide for their needs at her school. She works with the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department to secure confiscated bicycles to use as rewards for students. Ms. Snell spearheads the collection of food and other items to make Thanksgiving baskets for the needy families at Sunland Park Elementary. Ruby also organized the toy collection for the holidays.
Ms. Snell organized the reception of Nova Southeastern University’s School of Pharmacology Interns, 21 of whom now volunteer on a weekly basis at her school. In addition, she has secured in excess of $6,000 in financial support and in-kind contributions. Ruby receives families and connects them with much-needed community and social services. She runs the clothing bank at the school, making sure those less fortunate can attend school in a comfortable fashion. Ruby dares to think big, not just for herself, but also for her entire school community and family. She is mover, a shaker, and a leader. Each morning she is at her post welcoming students with a smile and a warm greeting.
Lily Stevenson, Cook
Glades Middle School
Whether it’s running the kitchen to prepare food for 1,100 students each day, in an all-portable school, or replacing broken cash registers at a moment’s notice, Lily Stevenson can handle the challenge. As Glade Middle School’s head cook, Lily makes miracles happen in three portables during five lunches, three hours a day. She and her staff of 10 prepare the food each day in one small portable producing delicious, nutritious and appetizing meals.
Mrs. Stevenson is taking the necessary steps to become Glades Middle School’s Assistant Manager. Additionally, she volunteers at Everglades High School to make sure the concession stand is functioning and well staffed during football games. This summer, she chaperoned band members to London, England, and the parents were confident in her ability to provide care and guidance. In just three short years, Lily has become a leader in the most challenging of situations, always with a positive attitude and pride in what she accomplishes. On a daily basis she exhibits selfless dedication to the students and to her staff.
Nancy Weintraub, Community Liaison
District Diversity and Cultural Outreach
Have you ever played the Women’s History Match Game and Contest in celebration of Women’s History Month? As Community Liaison for the School District, Nancy Weintraub spearheaded this game as a research project for students. Another of her innovative programs to advance student achievement is Young Diplomats. This collaborative extracurricular program with the Broward County Bar Association, trains high school students in conflict resolution, anti-bullying, nonviolence and creating a safe school environment. An outreach effort with the Brazilian Community addressed issues and concerns brought forth by Brazilian parents and members of the community. This initiative produced an essay contest for middle and high school students and a poster contest for elementary school students, as well as an after-school program on Brazilian culture and language at Quiet Waters Elementary School.
Ms. Weintraub has worked diligently with The Coordinating Council of Broward to create Broward’s first ever-Cultural Competency Tool Kit. The kit provides a generic basis for Broward organizations of all kinds, including the business, government and private sectors, to provide a common basis and a common language so that everyone who uses it will understand the context of the words being used and the tools being provided. Nancy is an indefatigable community representative and advocate, and has supported numerous quality of life initiatives.
Lorena Perez Widgeon, Operations Specialist IV
ETS Production Control
Lorena Perez Widgeon is responsible for scheduling the nightly jobs for the financial computer systems used throughout the school district. This is difficult and stressful work. If a job cancels, it is possible that an entire computer system may have to be shut down during normal business hours to correct the problem. Lorena understands how important her job is to the smooth running of the school system and she accepts the responsibility. She focuses on every detail of the job. For her, consistency is the key. She can always be found at her desk working and she rarely misses a day.
Lorena is articulate and has strong communication skills. She is adept at handling problems by keeping a cool head and determining the facts instead of using assumptions. Ms. Widgeon interacts daily with school and district staff. She receives requests for computer services and then is responsible for seeing that the requests are fulfilled. She constantly communicates with her customers to keep them updated on the status of their requests. With more than one hundred jobs running on a typical weekend, accuracy is imperative and Lorena is very detail oriented. She works well with others, always has a smile, and doesn’t hesitate to volunteer.
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