Green Bay Reporter

Green Bay Area Public School District has announced the winners of its 2024-25 Staff Recognition Awards Program. Superintendent Vicki Bayer, along with other guests, surprised staff members across the district on April 8, 2025. The announcement was made through a press release.

According to the Green Bay Area Public School District, eight recipients were selected for the awards, honoring outstanding individuals in various roles. The winners were chosen for their contributions to elementary and secondary education, student services, school support, and district leadership.

The honorees include Dana Farra, a kindergarten teacher at Langlade Elementary; Carolee Richardson, a third-grade teacher at MacArthur Elementary; Paaj Yang, an ESL paraprofessional serving Danz and Baird Elementary Schools; Danielle Scherer, a music teacher at West High School; Tracy Cowfer, a paraprofessional at Northeast Wisconsin School of Innovation; Amy Bahena-Ettner, a library media specialist at Edison Middle School; Jenna Paal, principal at Beaumont Elementary; and Dan Slowey, director of secondary schools at the district office. All awardees will be recognized at a ceremony on May 19.

The superintendent's office collaborates with district departments, the Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education, and local communities to create systems that support student success. This year’s priorities include expanding access to rigorous academic instruction for all students and educating the public on an upcoming November referendum aimed at addressing facility needs and school consolidation. Additionally, they are revising the district’s strategic direction using the Portrait of a Graduate model and increasing outreach to families, community organizations, and local businesses to support district goals.

Located in Northeast Wisconsin, the Green Bay Area Public School District is the fourth largest public school district in the state. It serves over 18,000 students across 39 schools. Founded in 1856, it includes communities such as Allouez, Ledgeview, Bellevue, Green Bay, and Scott. The district offers various educational pathways to meet student needs and aims to prepare students for success in college, careers, and their communities.