2015 Recipients

Meritorious Service nominees were recognized by school board members during special celebrations held in each Central Valley School District building between February 27 and March 20. On March 23, 2015 the board announced and presented district-wide Meritorious Service Award honorees in each category. The recipients were selected by board members from among the individuals and teams nominated this year (named below) by colleagues, students, and parents.

Congratulations to Our 2015 District-Wide Honorees!

(Left to right): Melissa (Missy) Scott, Kim Pearman-Gillman, Marty Dickinson, Robin Barnhart, Scott Kingsford, Rick Sheppard, Jim Durning, Cindy Noll, and Jay Rowell. Not pictured: Rick Doehle.

Melissa (Missy) Scott, Counselor, McDonald Elementary – Certificated Employee
There seems to be little at McDonald Elementary in which Missy is not somehow involved. She has organized numerous events from free back-to-school haircuts, the Christmas Tree of Sharing, holiday meals for families, and the Food for Thought backpack program - all benefiting students and families with economic challenges. In addition, she seems to seek out ways to positively influence the entire student body by helping them prepare for life after McDonald. Whether it is encouraging good school attendance, encouraging PACE character traits of the month, or the 5th grade job program, she truly helps prepare the whole student, and student body, for a positive future and school career.

Kim Pearman-Gillman & Marty Dickinson, Bond and Levy Co-Campaign Chairs – Community Member/Organization
As planning began for the 2015 Bond & Levy campaign, it was clear a strong force would be needed to lead the charge. Ultimately, two strong forces combined to help ensure the levy and the bond (the first in nearly two decades!) would to pass, safeguarding excellent educational opportunities in the district for all students. Marty led the development of a strategic communications plan and marketing plans to cement the key messages of the campaign. Kim spearheaded the fundraising efforts, generating more funds than any previous campaign. Both co-chairs garnered community support and were able to rally key individuals in the community to formally endorse the campaign. They dedicated countless hours of personal time and the success of the campaign was due largely to their work and talents.

Robin Barnhart, Teacher, Central Valley High School – Certificated Employee
Teachers are often called to above and beyond the call of duty, in and out of the classroom. As the DECA advisor at CVHS, Barnhart often organizes events and trips for students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in their future careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. This past year one of her DECA state qualifying students used a wheelchair and Barnhart worked to ensured his travel to and participation in the state competition would not be impacted by any transportation or other access challenges. She made sure he “felt included and encouraged” and even managed to research and arrange a more economical means for wheelchair transportation than originally planned – saving district funds. Her nominator noted, “She goes the extra mile. She’s awesome!”

OpenEye, District-wide – Community Member/Organization
Located in Liberty Lake, this company supports a number of schools within CVSD by providing over 20 mentors to young students. As noted by a nominator, with schools at capacity one-on-one time with students is not always possible but the OpenEye mentors offer support, encouragement, and the ability to be “fully-present” with students. These mentors may be found in schools weekly, connecting and building relationships through a variety of activities – helping with homework, eating lunch, brainstorming ways to cope with challenges, listening, and having fun! The nominator continued, “They bring joy to each student with their genuine care and concern for students’ needs.” Award accepted on behalf of OpenEye by Scott Kingsford, Rick Sheppard, and Jim Durning.

Cindy Noll, Head Secretary, Opportunity Elementary – Classified Employee
As they are the first face many visitors see, it is key to have a positive person in the front office of any school. Cindy’s nominators noted she fills this role with “love and grace.” She is constantly working to improve herself and her school through dedication to efficiency and a willingness to do “whatever it takes.” Cindy is noted as having “boundless optimism” and a “humble spirit,” both of which serve her, and the Opportunity family, well in her daily interactions with students, parents, and staff, especially in challenging situations. Endless stories exist of times Cindy has gone out of her way to make a difference in a student’s life – from making a connection with a student having a rough day, or taking steps to ensure a student is comfortable in class, Cindy is, as noted by a nominator, “the heart of Opportunity”.

Rick Doehle & Jay Rowell, Human Resources and Maintenance Admin Team – Team
“Common focus,” “students first” and “a can-do attitude” are just some of the phrases used to describe this duo. They also “share an ability to be really nice people…[with an] ability to cut to the issues when needed and make things happen.” Whether it is creative problem solving, correcting issues, being present at school functions, or making pulled pork for the staff, Rick and Jay go above and beyond for the students, families, and staff of CVSD.

Congratulations to our 2015 Meritorious Service Award Nominees!

Elementary Schools

Adams Elementary

Jeff Dufresne, Principal - Certificated
Mark Hollenbeck, Teacher - Certificated
Heather Simpson, Teacher - Certificated
Scott Kingsford, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization

Broadway Elementary

Sarah Creighton, Teacher - Certificated
Sue Ewan, - Classified
Kay Bryant, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Jill Wakeling, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Broadway Elementary School Staff - Team
Integrated Kindergarten Specialist Team: Missy Champagne, Kelsey Erdman, Katie Ferris, Janine Franke, Cheri Johnson, Jennifer Moore, Tonia Norris, Tracy Sontrop, Jenni Welch, and Michelle Womack - Team
Parent Pick Up Team: Chie D'Amico, Bobbi Robinson, and Sandy Wing - Team

Chester Elementary

Teresa Humphrey, Teacher - Certificated
Cindy Sothen, Principal - Certificated
David Buchmann, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Resource Room Team: Becki Herndon, Teacher and Tori Orndorff, Paraeducator - Team

Greenacres Elementary

Lucinda Sporleder, Teacher - Certificated
Volunteers from OpenEye (David Bronson, Rayna Delcambre, Jonathan Dimmler, Kathie Drake, James Durning, and Leslie Summers) - Community Member/Organization

Liberty Lake Elementary

Shelly Bajadali, Assistant Principal - Certificated
Heather Graham, School Nurse - Certificated
Cheri Hoagburg, PTSA Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
OpenEye Volunteers: Rick Sheppard, Daniel Cartagena, Jesse Korpi, Nicholas Monkman, Brent Peck - Community Member/Organization

McDonald Elementary

Melissa Scott, Counselor - Certificated
George Berryman, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization

Opportunity Elementary

Mary Kenna, Teacher - Certificated
Sabrina Richardson, Teacher - Certificated
Sharon Stevenson, Teacher - Certificated
Mandi Larson, Principal - Certificated
Cindy Noll, Head Secretary - Classified
Bridget Breneman - Classified
Bette Devine, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Marcia Tracht, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Special Education Team: Shannon Duncan, Angela Gates, Suzie Kunz, Heather Simpson - Team

Ponderosa Elementary

Heather Brown, Music Teacher - Certificated
Cathy Weaver, Teacher - Certificated
Larry Barker, Night Custodian - Classified

Progress Elementary

Ashley Segadelli, Teacher - Certificated
Pam Popp, Teacher - Certificated
Matt Chisholm, Principal - Certificated
Jack Retherford - Classified
Progress Paraeducator Team: Terri Stenson, Lynne Luddington - Team
Stephanie Grivois, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Trish Abraham, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Andy Hail, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Progress Elementary School Community - Community Member/Organization

South Pines Elementary

Brittany Olson, Teacher - Certificated
James Olson, PE Teacher - Certificated
Comprehensive Intervention Team: Tina Gering, Stephanie Roberts, Robbin Roseborough, Jen Kelson, Tina Jordan, Amy Awberry, Derrick Hardin, Stephanie Denny, Blair Keymer, Joe Hofer, Jen Daniel, Doreen Takisaki, Mary Lou Babb, Mary Boek - Team

Sunrise Elementary

Jeff Haynes, Bus Driver - Classified
Teresa Herambourg, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization

University Elementary

Cathy Walter, Teacher - Certificated
Josh Wolcott, Principal - Certificated
Dale Alling, Technology Field Technician - Classified
Jaunna Carlson, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
University Elementary Specialists: Nancy DeLaurentis, Linda Honn, Kelly Parsons - Team
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports): Linda Honn, Christine Larkin, Shawna Mallonee, Joan McCarron, Kim Nurvic, Deb Palfenier, Tammy Pelfrey, and Katie Taylor - Team

Middle Schools

Bowdish Middle School

Angela Poole, Teacher - Certificated
Rod Gudgel, ISS Supervisor - Classified

Evergreen Middle School

John Parker, Principal - Certificated
EMS Secretaries: Janet Hall, Marci Highley, Carol Schuchart - Team

Greenacres Middle School

Mason Flemmer, Teacher - Certificated
Laura Hull, Assistant Principal - Certificated
Jeff Smith, Teacher - Certificated
Alec Vermaire, Teacher - Certificated
OpenEye Volunteers: Matt Bolster, Trevor Conley, Kurt Dehmer, Ryan Patterson, and Rebecca Vangrimbergen - Community Member/Organization

Horizon Middle School

Horizon Kitchen Crew: Dara Keen, Jen Lehman, Shirley Williams, Linda Sandberg, Melinda Hansen, Michelle Walker - Team

North Pines Middle School

Deb Pritzl, Head Secretary - Classified

High Schools

Central Valley High School

Geoff Arte, Teacher - Certificated
Robin Barnhart, Teacher - Certificated
Joseph Pauley, Teacher - Certificated
Paul Gerard, Custodian - Classified
Karen Santora, Paraeducator - Classified
Dusty Beaman, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization
Bill Pierce, Volunteer - Community Member/Organization

University High School

Briane Green, Teacher - Certificated
Wally Watson, Teacher - Certificated
Transportation Department - Team
University HS A111 Paraeducators: Joanne Hamacher, Melissa Hammer, Julie Imes, and Addy Pol - Team

Non-Traditional Schools & Learning Centers

Barker High School

Trevor Jones, School Resource Officer - Classified
ITRACC Team: Katrina Bech, Teacher, Justin Chissus, Teacher, Karisa Nord, Teacher - Team

CV Kindergarten Center

Laura Gottberg, Teacher - Certificated
Heidi Sine, Teacher - Certificated
Dave VanVlaenderen, Custodian - Classified
OpenEye Volunteers: Issac Grambo, Ken Latoszek, Sean McCall, William Rhoads, abd Rhiannon Thompson - Community Member/Organization

CV Early Learning Center

Carole Burns, Bookkeeper - Classified
Debi Denmark, ECEAP Teacher - Classified
Sue Hammond, Secretary - Classified
Karen Hittle, Family Service Coordinator - Classified
Child Care Team: Nahlah Abdal-Wahed, Heather Bauer, Kelly Beirouty, Holly Celtik, Sara Compos, Beth Handwerk, Kevin Hughes, Tiffanie Kerbs, Deanna Kiki, Janice Olson, Kari Sheldon, Oanh Thai, Eddie Thomas, Georgena Verhage, Cherie Willis, and Rhonda Wilson - Team

Learning & Teaching Center – District Office

Dr. Terrie VanderWegen, Assistant Superintendent - Certificated
Melissa Danelo, Special Education - Certificated
Pat Hatch, Nutrition Services Driver - Classified
Allina Holmquist, Business Manager - Classified
Melanie Rose, Director of Communications - Classified
Campaign Co-chairs: Marty Dickinson and Kim Pearman-Gillman - Community Member/Organization
Open Eye: Rick Sheppard, Jim Durning and Scott Kingsford - Community Member/Organization
Human Resources and Maintenance Admin Team: Rick Doehle and Jay Rowell - Team
Payroll Department: Allina Holmquist, Colleen Franke, Kari Gossett, Colleen Reilly, Patty Harrison, Cheri Myers, Connie Busch - Team
Staff Development Team: Dr. Terrie VanderWegen, Abby Frandsen, Leslie Heffernan, Jen Chase, Alison Walton, Jen Teske, Natasha Gerasimchuk, Kristin Day, Lisa Hagen, Elisa Cayce, Tori Hendricks, Brent Howard - Team

Spokane Valley Tech

4th Grade STEM Camp Team: Mark Bitz, Instructor, Lori Buratto, Instructor, Camille Nielsen, Academy Principal - Team

Summit School/Spokane Valley Learning Academy

Jen McDonald, Teacher - Certificated
Ryan Monson, Teacher - Certificated
Jolene Marczynski, Supervisor - Classified