April 10, 2026
Kim Martin has been a cornerstone of the Spud family since January 1999—an incredible 27 years of service! This month, we are thrilled to recognize Kim, a paraprofessional and job coach in the Special Education Transitions program, as the April recipient of the Spud Spirit Award. This award is given to staff members who consistently go above and beyond for their colleagues and the learners they serve. For Kim, the work is a true passion. Just a week before being surprised with this award, Kim told her supervisor, “Why would anyone want to leave this? I absolutely love my job!” That enthusiasm is felt by everyone around her. Her nominator shared that Kim’s positivity is on full display every single day, making her a bright light and an indispensable asset to the Transitions team. Kim’s commitment to our students is evidenced by her proactive approach to her role. To ensure her students have consistent access to opportunities, Kim personally took the written and driving tests required to transport them to job sites and homes. She has even pursued specialized medical training to better support her students' needs. Her nominator recalled a recent Friday with hazardous weather where Kim remained "stellar," ensuring every student arrived home safely and on schedule. By stepping into every role needed to support her students, Kim exemplifies our mission to help every learner thrive. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak presented Kim with a special Spud Spirit pin to commemorate the achievement, stating, “The way you take on any role that is needed to support the Spuds in your care is a strong example of our district’s mission.” Congratulations, Kim, on 27 amazing years and this well-deserved honor!