Open solicitation for the 2025-2026 KY Education Support Staff Professional Honor, offered by KDE
News Article: Nominations Open for 2025-2026 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award
The Kentucky Department of Education has announced the opening of the nomination window for the 2025-2026 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award. This prestigious award recognises the invaluable contributions of classified school employees who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth functioning of schools across the state.
Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman have emphasised the essential role of these employees, stating that schools could not function without their support. The contributions of these individuals, who serve in a variety of vital roles such as driving students to school, preparing meals, working with partner agencies, and ensuring essential needs are met, are immeasurable and greatly appreciated.
Eligible candidates for the award work in one of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone, and each nominator can submit up to two candidates for consideration. The nominees must illustrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, local support, and enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and in schools.
The top two nominees for the Kentucky award will also be considered for the national 2026 Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. This award recognises classified school employees who have displayed exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will select a single classified employee from all nominees to receive the national 2026 RISE Award. Gov. Beshear will forward the names of the top two classified employees to the U.S. Department of Education as Kentucky's nominees for the national RISE Award by Nov. 1.
Last year, Kim Frank, a school administrative assistant at Latonia Elementary School, and Sam Graham, a Taylor County bus driver, received the 2024-2025 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award. Coleman stated that she is pleased to have helped establish the award to recognise these employees and give them the appreciation they deserve.
The nomination period for the 2025-2026 Kentucky Education Support Staff Professional Award remains open until Oct. 2. The nomination period will close at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 2.
By recognising these unsung heroes, we not only honour their dedication and hard work but also underscore the importance of their role in shaping the future of our children. Gov. Beshear expressed pride in recognising the essential role of classified employees in schools and their impact on children and the future.
