Earlier this month, the Kent School District Board of Directors proudly recognized the district’s 2026 Employees of the Year during a board meeting celebration honoring outstanding staff members from across OneKSD.
These exceptional employees were selected for their dedication, leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to supporting students, families, colleagues, and the broader Kent community. Their work reflects the heart of OneKSD, working together to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Akela Chappell
2025-2026 KAEOP Employee of the Year
Holding It Down Every Day
Akela joined Team KSD in 2012 as a paraeducator starting at Panther Lake Elementary, moving to Jenkins Creek and Emerald Park before joining Canyon Ridge Middle School in 2023 as an Administrative Assistant II supporting the office and library.
At Canyon Ridge, Akela is more than a staff member, she is a steady, trusted presence who shapes the daily experience of students and colleagues alike. Known for “holding it down” in every sense, Akela creates meaningful connections that help students feel supported, confident, and known.
Akela’s impact reaches far beyond the office walls. Her commitment to students is reflected in her work as a dance coach, founder of the school cheer team, and consistent supporter of student activities. Through her involvement, she encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and take pride in their school community.
Akela Chappell’s dedication and heart make a lasting difference at Canyon Ridge, and her recognition as Employee of the Year is a well-deserved celebration of the impact she has on students, staff, and the entire school community.
Carol Cleveland
Non-Represented Central Office Administration
Expanding Access, Transforming Opportunity
Carol Joined Team KSD in 2007 and has held a variety of positions starting with assistant principal at Kent-Meridian High School, principal of iGrad, and in 2021 joined district administration. She currently holds the position of Executive Director of Partnerships.
Carol exemplifies our district’s commitment to equity, working to remove barriers and ensure every student has access to meaningful opportunities and multiple pathways to success. Her efforts help students graduate prepared for college, careers, and life as confident, capable global citizens.
Through strong partnerships with students, families, community organizations, and industry leaders, Carol brings learning to life. She has expanded access to mentorship, career-connected experiences, and real-world opportunities that support students both in and out of the classroom.
Collaborative and student-focused, Carol strengthens systems and practices to ensure fair, consistent access for all, which truly reflects the spirit of Team KSD. Her selection as Employee of the Year is a well-earned recognition of the lasting impact she makes across our schools and community.
Julie Gunderson
Kent Association of Paraeducators
Creating Pathways to Independence
Julie has served as a paraeducator with Team KSD for more than 30 years, beginning in 1992. For the past 15 years, she has supported students at The Outreach Program (TOP).
Julie has been a cornerstone of the TOP program since its beginning, helping students successfully transition from school to work and independent life. As a program paraeducator and job coach, she is deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate and succeed.
With a focus on inclusion, Julie finds innovative ways to meet each student’s needs by using tools like eye gaze, speech-to-text, and visual supports to open doors and remove barriers. She empowers students to think, problem-solve, and build confidence through thoughtful guidance and encouragement.
Collaborative and dedicated, Julie strengthens both her students and her colleagues, making her recognition as Employee of the Year a reflection of her lasting impact.
Zack Jones
AFSCME Information Technology
Powering Learning Behind the Scenes
Zack joined Team KSD in 2018 as a technology support specialist at Kentlake High School. In 2022, he moved to the district Office as a tech support specialist II and in 2024, advanced to his current role as a system development engineer III.
Zack Jones plays a critical role in student success by ensuring district technology is secure, reliable, and ready to support learning every day. His proactive approach to software compliance and security protects student data while ensuring consistent access to essential tools across all schools.
Through his work, Zack helps connect students, families, and staff to the platforms and resources they rely on. By preventing issues before they reach classrooms, he supports continuity of learning, strengthens engagement, and builds trust across the district.
Reliable, collaborative, and service-driven, Zack exemplifies the values of Team KSD, making his recognition as Employee of the Year a well-deserved honor.
Josefina Ramos
KSFSA Nutrition Services
Creating a Place Where Everyone Belongs
Josefina joined Team KSD in 2017 as a Nutrition Services helper. In 2021, she became an elementary cook manager, the role she holds today.
Josefina Ramos transforms the cafeteria into a welcoming space where every student feels seen, valued, and respected. By learning names and greeting students with kindness and patience, she ensures each child—regardless of language or background—feels safe and important.
Her generosity strengthens the entire school community. Each year, Josefina goes above and beyond by preparing meals for staff, sharing her culture and building meaningful connections that deepen trust and belonging.
Caring, inclusive, and dedicated, Josefina embodies the spirit of Team KSD, and her recognition as Employee of the Year reflects the meaningful impact she has on her school community.
Jeff Martin
WEA Kent Association of Coaches & Extracurricular
Building Strong Athletes and Strong People
Jeff Martin, “Marty,” joined Team KSD in 1998 as a temporary employee and began coaching in 2000 as a high school assistant boys basketball coach. In 2006, he became a paraeducator while continuing to coach. He joined the Safety Services team in 2012, where he continues to serve while coaching multiple sports at Kentlake High School.
Marty’s coaching is centered on developing more than athletes. He is dedicated to helping students grow into confident, capable individuals prepared for life after sports. He values the moments when learning clicks and students gain the confidence to move forward.
By creating a strong sense of belonging, Marty ensures every student feels part of the Falcon Family long after their time on the team. His genuine support and encouragement inspire students to stay connected and share their successes.
Through clear communication, positive relationships, and a focus on growth, Marty leads by example. Dedicated and student-centered, he reflects the spirit of Team KSD and the commitment to developing students as learners, leaders, and people.
Arnold Maurera
Non-Rep/Non-Administrative, Non-Supervisor Staff
Telling Stories Reflecting All Students
Arnold joined Team KSD in 2022 in his current role of multimedia communications specialist with the Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
Arnold ensures every student is seen, valued, and represented through inclusive storytelling that highlights belonging, collaboration, and excellence. By intentionally centering students with disabilities, he reinforces that inclusion is a core value across our schools.
Arnold brings warmth and care into spaces to ensure students feel comfortable and valued. His work ensures equitable access to information and supports meaningful connections between students, families, and staff.
Collaborative, dependable, and thoughtful, Arnold builds strong partnerships across the district. His professionalism assures both students and staff that their stories will be shared with integrity.
His recognition as Employee of the Year reflects his dedication to uplifting the entire school community.
Tony Novak
Teamsters Bus Drivers
Keeping Students Moving Forward Every Day
Tony joined Team KSD in 2020 as a bus driver, bringing a strong commitment to serving students and supporting safe, reliable transportation.
Tony demonstrates exceptional reliability and dedication, showing up each day ready to serve students with a welcoming smile and a focus on safety. His consistency helps students start their day positively and sets the tone for a smooth, dependable transportation experience.
He regularly steps in to cover additional routes, ensuring service continues without disruption for students, families, and staff. His flexibility and willingness to help reflect a strong commitment to the success of the entire transportation system.
With deep knowledge of bus equipment and systems, Tony is a trusted resource for colleagues, especially substitute drivers who rely on his guidance. Friendly, dependable, and always ready to assist, Tony exemplifies the spirit of Team KSD and the dedication recognized through this Employee of the Year honor.
Jennifer Osgood
KPA Principals & Assistant Principals
Leading with Equity, Purpose, and Partnership
Jennifer joined Team KSD in 2018 as the assistant principal at Neely-O'Brien Elementary School, where she served for three years before becoming the principal in 2021.
Principal Osgood creates an inclusive and affirming school environment while also advancing equitable practices across the district. Her strong equity lens and commitment to honoring diverse cultures shape adult practices, leading to more inclusive and effective experiences for students in every classroom.
She builds meaningful partnerships with students, families, and the community, ensuring families are welcomed as true collaborators. Through intentional outreach and accessible school spaces, she creates an environment where all families feel connected, respected, and supported.
With deep systems knowledge, Principal Osgood strengthens structures that promote both access and excellence. Her leadership has improved communication and collaboration, ensuring students, especially those receiving Inclusive Education services, are supported with consistency and care.
Thoughtful, strategic, and student-centered, Principal Osgood reflects the very best of Team KSD. Her leadership advances opportunity, belonging, and success for every student, earning her recognition as Employee of the Year.
Ms. Jasmine Pielemeier!
KEA Non-Classroom Certificated
Empowering Voices and Expanding Possibilities
Ms. Pielemeier joined Team KSD as an Occupational Therapist in 2020 and continues in that role today.
Jasmine is deeply committed to helping students become independent, confident communicators. As an Occupational Therapist, she works directly with students using AAC devices, ensuring they can advocate for themselves, participate fully, and successfully transition beyond KSD.
She builds strong connections across schools and the community by partnering with educators, therapists, families, and organizations. Jasmine thoughtfully matches technology to each student’s needs while creating accessible resources such as visuals, calendars, and videos that support consistent communication across school and home.
What truly sets Jasmine apart is how she leads. Approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive, she fosters trust and collaboration in every interaction. Innovative and equity-driven, Jasmine reflects the very best of Team KSD, making her recognition as Employee of the Year a celebration of her dedication to student success and inclusion.
Ryan Snow
AFT Mechanics, Custodians, Print Shop, Warehouse
Keeping Schools Running Strong
Ryan joined Team KSD in 2021 as an HVAC technician where he continues to serve his team and the school district.
Ryan brings professionalism, knowledge, and a positive attitude to his work every day. He is consistently prepared, communicates clearly with staff, and approaches each task with care and respect, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and learning.
His skill, initiative, and problem-solving ability make him a trusted and dependable technician. Ryan is always willing to take on new challenges, learning systems quickly and supporting equipment of all types to keep operations running smoothly.
Even as one of the newest HVAC technicians, Ryan has already emerged as a team player and informal leader. He supports colleagues across trades, assists with school and community events, and helps others build their skills.
Dependable, collaborative, and service-driven, Ryan reflects the spirit of Team KSD and the commitment to supporting safe, well-functioning schools for students and staff.
Joshua Barnes
Special Education Teacher, Scenic Hill Elementary
2025–2026 KSD Teacher of the Year
Joshua joined Team KSD following a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army, where he managed administration and support for 180 soldiers. His military service, including 54 months deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, shaped the values he brings to education every day: humility, accountability, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in human potential.
Since joining Scenic Hill Elementary as a special education teacher, Joshua has demonstrated excellence in teaching through patience, compassion, and a deep commitment to student success. He creates an inclusive classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to learn and grow.
Joshua brings cultural competency, equity, and inclusion to life in his daily work, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals. His leadership has strengthened Scenic Hill’s inclusion model and elevated collaboration and innovation throughout the school community.
Known for his student-centered approach, Joshua consistently helps students exceed growth targets in reading and math while fostering confidence, independence, and belonging. Families praise his proactive communication, unwavering support, and positive outlook, noting the profound academic, social, and emotional impact he has on students.
A lifelong learner, Joshua is continuing his own educational journey and has been accepted into a doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
Educator, mentor, advocate, and leader, Joshua Barnes exemplifies the Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals of Team KSD and the commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.