The following employees were selected to receive the November Employee Excellence Awards and recognition at the November 2025 school board meeting.
Employees are recognized between October and June of each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
In addition to awardees chosen by the peer nomination and Excellence Awards committee voting process, the Board of Directors may recognize recipients who have been nominated by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to VPS students and their families.
Shanna Baird
FCRC at Hazel Dell Elementary
We are thrilled to honor Hazel Dell FCRC Shanna Baird, whose dedication embodies the spirit of the Employee Excellence Award. Shanna is a beacon of compassion, resourcefulness, and cultural responsiveness in every aspect of her work, consistently going above and beyond for our students and families. Whether she’s guiding families through vital housing and food assistance, expertly organizing our multilingual parent workshops, or coordinating donations for the school’s clothing and supply bank – she ensures every member of our community feels truly seen, supported, and empowered. As her nominator shares, “Her work is not only essential–it is inspiring.”
Thank you, Shanna.
Joseph Gray
DRO at Skyview High School
Joseph Gray, DRO at Skyview, consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on those around him. His nominator shares, “Each morning Joe, warmly welcomes every student with a smile, setting a positive tone for the day. His approachable and friendly demeanor makes it easy for students to feel comfortable seeking his help, whether they need direction, guidance, or support.” But his mentorship doesn’t end when the bell rings! Joseph is also involved in coaching Football and Baseball at Skyview. Whether he’s on the field or in the hallways, Joseph models the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance – lessons that shape our students far beyond graduation.
Thank you, Joseph.
Brittney Hall
Paraeducator at Roosevelt Elementary
Paraeducator Brittney Hall is an indispensable part of the team at Roosevelt Elementary. Brittney truly defines what it means to be a team player, consistently demonstrating a proactive, solution-oriented approach as she supports both students and staff.
Brittney’s commitment is felt by everyone she works with. She works tirelessly to make sure every student feels safe, respected, and, most importantly, that they belong. Her greatest gift is her ability to connect with students: she skillfully customizes her approach to meet their individual needs, setting them up for success.
Thank you, Brittney.
Jason Hattrick
PE Teacher and Unified Coach at Gaiser Middle School
Jason Hattrick, PE Teacher and Unified Coach at Gaiser, was selected for the Employee Excellence Award to recognize his nearly three decades of commitment and positive influence on our students. Since joining the district in 1997, Jason has served in a variety of roles and buildings, but his dedication to student well-being has remained constant. A powerful testament to his impact came directly from the Gaiser student who nominated him, “Where do I start, this guy is amazing… When I had him as a PE teacher in 6th grade, I loved it – he was kind and he made me feel like I belonged.” This simple statement highlights Jason’s lasting ability to build strong relationships and create an atmosphere of kindness and belonging.
Thank you, Jason.