American Education Week - District Staff Appreciation Day
District-level staff members play important roles in supporting teachers and schools. District employees at the Central Office, MT Anderson Support Center, and the Distribution Center provide administrative support to schools.
The Finance Department is responsible for all financial transactions that support district operations in the areas of accounting, business, budget, payroll and insurance, procurement, the warehouse, and food and nutrition services.
Doug Chappell has served as a pupil activity accountant in the finance department for 11 years. His primary responsibility is to assist and support school bookkeepers, and he has been instrumental in the design and implementation of new processes for schools that allow bookkeepers to receipt payments electronically.
“I love working with the bookkeepers. Some have been here for 20 or 25 years, and some just started a year ago,” he explained. “As a pupil activity accountant, I am tasked with giving them the support they need to get their jobs done.”
Doug enjoys sharing his knowledge about accounting with school staff. “I realize that we are dealing with parents’ money, so I look at it as helping them get the best bang for their buck. I get rewarded because schools take that seriously and act as good stewards of their money.”
Special Education Services employees at the district level provide support for schools across the county. As secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for Special Education Services, Ramona Woo is the go-to specialist who takes extra time for anyone who needs assistance.
“I handle many phone calls every day from parents who are not happy. I calm them down and try to connect them with the right person. Sometimes, they are just frustrated and want someone to talk to,” she said. Her calm demeanor and excellence communication skills ensure that parents’ concerns are heard and someone is there to assist them.
“I try to make everyone’s job easier,” she explained. “It doesn’t matter if it is someone in another department. I see my role as a support staff member for the entire district.”
Saluting District-level staff members who are always there to provide support to our schools, staffs, students, and families!