From left, Superintendent Peter Livingston, school board member Tom Courtney, board president Chelsea LaGrange, Karen Garcia, Michelle "Shelly" Lane, board vice-president Jason Hansen, and board member Jim Harvey. Photo by Olga Fisher
Second grade teacher Michelle “Shelly” Lane and custodian Karen Garcia were named the school district’s employees of the month for November at the Thursday, November 14th meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Superintendent Peter Livingston presented the awards as an overflow crowd of co-workers, family members and supporters looked on. The two award recipients were congratulated by board members.
Michelle Lane (Certified)
“This month, we’re proud to recognize Michelle “Shelly” Lane as our LVES Employee of the Month,” Mr. Livingston said, quoting her nominators. “For the past 15 years, Shelly has been an incredible asset to our school community, bringing enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication to everything she does. As a key member of the 2nd grade team, she leads with collaboration and creativity—always finding ways to make learning meaningful and fun for her students.
“Shelly was also instrumental in helping launch our LVES elective program, giving students exciting opportunities to explore new interests and discover their talents. In addition, she continues to motivate and inspire through the 100 Mile Club, encouraging perseverance and healthy habits. Shelly’s positive energy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students make her a true example of what it means to SOAR at LVES.”
Karen Garcia (Classified)
“It is with great appreciation that we recognize Karen Garcia as our Classified Employee of the Month,” Mr. Livingston said. “Karen exemplifies excellence in her role as a custodian, consistently going above and beyond to ensure our campus remains clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff alike. She is dependable, proactive, and always willing to step in when unexpected absences occur. Karen’s quick thinking, strong work ethic, and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of our team.
“Last year, as our late-shift Custodian, Karen demonstrated exceptional dedication by single-handedly securing and locking down the entire campus each evening, ensuring safety and peace of mind for everyone. This year, she transitioned to a daytime shift, continuing to lead by example through her hard work, reliability, and positive attitude. Karen’s deep understanding of every area of our campus, coupled with her willingness to step up wherever needed, makes her an invaluable part of our school family. We are truly grateful for her professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.”