The person usually behind the camera stepped into the spotlight Oct. 19 at Rock Eagle as the Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) honored communications specialist Lindsey Rickman during its monthly Board of Education (BOE) meeting.
The meeting, usually held at the Board’s office building beside the PC Primary School, also included recognitions for several other BOE and school nutrition staff, training for school governance teams, and approval of additional spending on the elementary school entrance driveway.
Rickman received the school board’s HEART Award – Honoring Exceptional and Remarkable Teamwork – which recognizes PCCSS employees whose collaboration and dedication supports students and staff alike.
PCCSS Superintendent Derick Austin admitted surprising Rickman wasn’t easy.
“We really had to get creative in trying to figure out how we were going to honor her because she’s always responsible for going around and making sure we honor everybody else,” Austin said.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls said Rickman helped to develop the HEART award program and came up with its name. A Putnam graduate who previously worked in banking, Rickman now coordinates all PCCSS communications and photographs school activities.
“In her role, she serves as the bridge connecting our schools, students, staff, families, and community,” Sauls said.
He praised Rickman’s work documenting academic celebrations, athletic competitions, arts performances, and community events, along with the enthusiasm she brings to the workplace.
“Her unique blend of professionalism, dedication, and humor makes her a cherished colleague and a true team player,” Sauls said.
The school board also recognized school nutrition employees led by Tina Carr with an award honoring summer meal service. Austin noted Carr also holds school nutrition director of the year recognition.
“We have a number of people in our district that support the work of our teachers,” Sauls added. “And all these people are very important to us.”
Sauls also congratulated the school board for earning exemplary recognition for the second-straight year.
“That is the highest honor that they can receive,” he pointed out, crediting members’ leadership and hard work.
Next, the meeting turned to a presentation by Susan Avant of the Charter System Foundation. She discussed how school governance teams, principals, administrators, board members, and teachers share responsibility for improving student outcomes.
Avant explained charter status allows flexibility to address local challenges, but also requires greater accountability. She then highlighted Putnam’s Summer Inspiration camps that offer activities ranging from painting and music to horseback riding and swimming, as good examples of stretching the idea of what education really entails.
Avant advocated for governance teams to review school improvement plans regularly, examine performance and attendance data, and seek community partners’ expertise and connections.
“Pick a priority, pick a challenge,” she said, urging attendees to “really commit the rest of this school year to that one big thing.”
In school board business, members approved tabling proposed revisions to policies covering school district organization, board operations, and general school administration for 30 days.
Austin said the wait “will give people and the community time to come back and have input.”
The board also authorized up to $100,000 for work on the elementary school’s new entrance drive by East Coast Grading. Asked by board chair Dr. Steven Weiner whether the amount represented the total cost or additional spending, Austin clarified that major work had already been approved.
Members also quickly approved personnel recommendations and the consent agenda after no one signed up for public comment.
Before adjournment, Weiner thanked principals, board colleagues, and school governance participants for their time and contributions.
“It is greatly appreciated, though rarely stated,” he said.