South Raleigh News

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the commencement of the 2024-2025 application period for the North Carolina Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Established by Congress in 2019 and managed by the U.S. Department of Education, this award honors classified school employees who provide exemplary service.

“School employees are the backbone of our education system,” said Governor Cooper. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to support students, teachers, and families. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes of North Carolina schools and the crucial work that they do every day.”

For this award, a classified school employee is defined as an individual employed by a state or any political subdivision thereof, or by a nonprofit entity, working in grades pre-kindergarten through high school in various occupational specialties. These include paraprofessional services, 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.

Award winners must demonstrate excellence in several areas: work performance; school and community involvement; leadership and commitment; local support from co-workers, school administrators, community members; and enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and schools.

Nominations can be submitted by public school units, school administrators, professional associations, labor organizations, educational service agencies, nonprofit entities, private schools representatives as well as parents and students until September 30.

Two winners from North Carolina will be nominated to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1st. The U.S. Secretary of Education will select one classified school employee from among these nominees to receive the RISE Award in spring 2025. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina will honor nominees and finalists locally while also recognizing them through communication efforts designed to inspire excellence among classified school employees nationwide.

Nominations can be submitted until September 30th at 5 PM via https://forms.office.com/g/SuEnGi73qm.