Douglas County School

The Foundation for Douglas County Schools annually honors exceptional Douglas County School District educators and staff who are inspiring a love of learning in their students and trailblazing extraordinary innovation in our schools. Thousands of nominations are submitted every year. Just five receive an Apple Award. To read more and see all of the nominees, please visit the Foundation's website. 

Classified Employee of the Year

Stephanie Weber is a SSN Paraprofessional at ThunderRidge High School. Stephanie works hard to provide as many opportunities as possible for the students she works with. This year, she created a culinary class that allows for a more functional setting for two students with special needs. Stephanie also works with the Unified Sports Program and helped ThunderRidge High School become nationally recognized as a Special Olympics Banner School.

Department Employee of the Year

Delceter Goosby
Kitchen Manager, Legend High School
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Delceter Goosby is the kitchen manager at Legend High School. Delceter is known for her upbeat demeanor, her smile and her sense of humor. She is one of the hardest workers at Legend and goes out of her way to foster positive relationships with both students and staff. Delceter is a friend to anyone who comes through her lunch line. She is always willing to listen and support her students. Delceter is also a veteran and served in the United States Army before joining the staff at Legend High School.

Elementary Educator of the Year

Erin Bidwell
Fifth Grade Teacher, Platte River Academy
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Erin Bidwell is a fifth-grade teacher at Platte River Academy. Erin is known for her hard work and consistent innovation in the classroom. Erin's coworkers say she "is a team player. She operates with a servant’s heart… she is quick to volunteer to help… she is bright, funny, positive and incredibly caring.”

“I am passionate about education because students have so much to offer the world. They just need to be seen, valued and believed in. When these actions occur with guidance they accomplish beautiful things that make a difference in the world.” - Erin Bidwell, Apple Award Winner

Secondary Educator of the Year

Erin Gilbert
Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Mesa Middle School
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Erin Gilbert is a PLS/GT Coordinator at Mesa Middle School. Erin is known to be an advocate for the students and staff at the middle school. She describes herself as a connector and works incredibly hard to build lasting relationships. She has always approached teaching with hands-on enrichment. She works tirelessly in the best interests of students and their well-being - she has supported mindfulness activities throughout the building. She created a “Social Entrepreneur” class in 2018 that is still going strong today.

District Administrator of the Year

Michelle Franci
Principal, Stone Mountain Elementary School
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This year's Administrator of the Year is Michelle Franci. She is the principal at Stone Mountain Elementary. Michelle was part of the team that helped open the school fifteen years ago. She leads by example and is more than willing to perform any task that is needed to keep Stone Mountain Elementary running smoothly. Michelle prides herself on putting her employees first. She works hard to provide growth opportunities for both students and staff. 

Stone Mountain Elementary School's continues to receive state recognition as a Governor's Distinguished and John Irwin winner year in and year out. This demonstrates Michelle's leadership and her staff’s commitment to their community. Michelle is passionate, humble, 100% committed to DCSD and its collective success.