Marshalltown Schools employees at all levels have been working hard in the face of challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic since the early closure of schools in March; in that time, four MCSD employees have performed spectacularly in their respective roles.
District Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented special awards to Buildings and Grounds administrative assistant Jennifer Gray, Student Technology Device Coordinator Jennifer Harrington, District Lead Nurse Stacey Tool-Crawford, and District Director of Instruction Dr. Lisa Stevenson at the Marshalltown School Board meeting Tuesday evening.
“We try to every quarter recognize employees who go up and beyond the call of duty in their respective roles,” Dr. Schutte said. “I wanted to turn that recognition into a special recognition for people who have really gone, in my opinion, way up and above the call of duty as it relates both to our COVID-related closure from the spring to the summer planning to the new school year.”
Each awardee has shown outstanding work ethic, professionalism, and perseverance throughout the challenging coronavirus situation.
Jennifer Gray – Buildings and Grounds Administrative Assistant
Gray has been described as “the glue that holds it all together” at the MCSD Buildings and Grounds Department. She has been a crucial member of the team during a time when the department has been adding new safety measures throughout the District, from deep-cleaning to hand sanitizer stations to signage.
Jennifer Harrington – Student Technology Device Coordinator
Ensuring all Bobcat students had access to a District Chromebook at home was a major undertaking for the MCSD Technology Department, and Harrington has been at the center of that effort. She has also focused on coordinating device support for students and families going into a new school year featuring virtual and hybrid classes.
Dr. Lisa Stevenson – District Director of Instruction
Ensuring MCSD students have access to high-quality, engaging curriculum in three different learning models during a pandemic is no easy task, but Dr. Stevenson was more than up to the challenge. She led the District’s Return to Learn planning process this summer and will continue to oversee the education of thousands of young Bobcats this school year.
Stacey Tool-Crawford – District Lead Nurse
The coronavirus situation presented plenty of challenges this year, and Tool-Crawford has shown great leadership and initiative in response to the pandemic. She has been vital to the District’s planning of health and safety measures, communication regarding coronavirus, and keeping her colleagues up-to-date on the constantly-changing public health situation. She has also shown exceptional leadership for MCSD nursing staff during an unprecedented time.
