From left: Asst. Superintendent and USD232EF Board Member, Alvie Cater; USD232EF Board member, Roger Templin; Director of Technology, Brandon Riffel; Making a Difference recipient, Julie Mauer; Superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood; Great American Bank Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager, Brenda O'Keefe; USD232EF Board Member Norm Messner.
February 17, 2023
Congratulations to Mrs. Julie Maurer, the Information Technology Specialist for the school district, for being recognized as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for January 2023. On Friday, February 17, USD 232 Superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood presented this award on behalf of the school district and the USD 232 Education Foundation.
Here is an excerpt from her staff nomination:
“Julie is always willing to help out with technology and building needs for the staff and students of Cedar Trails. I know Julie is very busy, being pulled in a 1000 directions, yet she always takes the time to help those who need it without hesitation. I appreciate Julie's commitment to the district and success as well as her knowledge of district systems and processes. Thanks for all you do Julie!”
Julie Maurer joined USD 232 in 1994 as a teacher aide at Woodsonia Elementary. Since that time, she has served in a number of different positions including library aide, building secretary, administrative assistant for the district’s Teaching and Learning Department and Technology Operations Specialist. As her supervisor, Technology Director Brandon Riffel, shared:
“Her depth of knowledge of the district have made her an asset in nearly all of the functions of the technology department. To say that Julie is integral is putting it mildly. She is the central nervous system of our department, she keeps the wheels moving, the bearings greased, and the cogs… cogging. I am so happy that she has received this well-deserved recognition.”
With this recognition, Julie was also presented check for $250 from the USD 232 Education Foundation and a Making a Difference Award trophy, designed and constructed by CAPS students at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center. The Making a Difference Award, sponsored by Great American Bank in De Soto, celebrates the exceptional teachers and staff in our district who are truly “making a difference in the lives of young people.”
The USD 232 Education Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the Making a Difference Award for the month of February. All submissions for this month are due Tuesday, February 28. Nominations for this award or ANY USD 232 Staff member are accepted and reviewed each month.
