WATCH: Go Behind the Scenes as the Eight Annual Awards Winners Earn Their Accolades

Behind the Scenes: Watch ISD 728 Staff Members Receive their ‘Staff of the Year’ Award

These eight members of the ISD 728 “family” are the recipients of the 2024-2025 Staff Awards - people who volunteer their time, perfect their craft, influence others and change lives daily. 

“There are always dozens who are deserving, so this is a fun, but difficult process,” said Superintendent Andy Almos. “But, it’s really the best, isn’t it? It’s special to get to recognize these people for who they are and what they do for our District and, most importantly, for our kids.” 

Here’s a “behind the scenes” look at this year’s eight winners as they receive their award. You might sense that some are pretty surprised by the honor.

Just click the name to check out the video: 

Ben “Gus” Gustafson - Coach of the Year

Tucker Kaup - Substitute Teacher of the Year

Lisa Laehn and Tom Petters - Early Educator and District Staff Member of the Year (respectively)

Jody Dill - Staff Member of the Year

Jatoma Sanudo - Secondary Teacher of the Year

Laura Dockendorf - Elementary Teacher of the Year

Wendy Boucher - Volunteer of the Year

Thank you to those who took the time to nominate literally dozens of ISD 728 staff members for these honors, and to those who serve on the annual committee!