To direct the Secretary of Education to establish and administer an awards program recognizing excellence exhibited by public school system employees providing services to students in pre-kindergarten through higher education.
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
Directs the Secretary of Education to award National Classified School Employees of the Year Awards to public school employees within certain occupational specialties who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through higher education.
Requires the Secretary to choose an awardee each year, out of nominations received from the chief State school officer of each state, from each of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraprofessionals; (2) clerical and administrative services; (3) transportation services; (4) food and nutrition services; (5) custodial and maintenance services; (6) security services; (7) health and student services; (8) technical services; and (9) skilled trades.
Requires each nomination to contain, at a minimum, demonstrations of excellence in: (1) work performance; (2) school and community involvement; (3) leadership and commitment; (4) local support; (5) the enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and schools; and (6) any other area of superior performance, such as health and safety promotion or the efficient use of energy or other resources.
Directs the Secretary to develop uniform national guidelines for evaluating nominations.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.