Efforts to improve customer service, build relationships, and recognize outstanding employees in the Knox County Public Schools have received regional attention and honor.
TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY) presented the “Shining Star Trainer of the Year” award to the school district during its 25th anniversary celebration held at The Center for Rural Development on Wednesday, September 26. Public information director Frank Shelton accepted the award from TOUR SEKY president Jeff Crowe and Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers.
Knox’s Shining Star program was implemented last year to improve customer service skills, build knowledge, and provide career training for the district’s classified support staff. The awards component of the program recognizes those employees who go above and beyond in the workplace. Employees can be nominated for the award by any stakeholder, with two employees receiving the award each month.
“The customer service program is an investment in our employees, our students, and our community”, said Frank Shelton, who coordinates the program.
“From the custodian that greets and discusses academics with students in the hallway to the staff that welcomes visitors to our athletic events, customer service boosts the overall image of the school district, our community, and empowers our staff.”
Administrative support staff, food service employees, maintenance workers, custodians, and others participated in a three hour training on customer service last school year. The training included topics such as verbal and non-verbal communications, etiquette, service, attitude, consistency, and teamwork.
TOUR SEKY’s Jeff Crowe spoke highly of Knox County’s customer service program during the awards presentation. Crowe stated that while most businesses and organizations often train ten or twenty individuals, Knox County is making customer service a priority by involving all staff.
“This school year we will be expanding our customer service initiative to include the district’s leadership team, teaching staff, and instructional assistants to further strengthen our commitment to students, parents, and the community,” said Shelton.
Shelton also stated that the awards program has received a boost for the new school year.
“Each quarter we will be recognizing the monthly Shining Star employees at our Board of Education meeting. They will receive a variety of gifts from the school district and donations by local merchants, including a free meal courtesy of an area restaurant.”
The first awards presentation for the 2012-2013 school year will take place during the October 23rd Board meeting.
“Our classified staff has a huge influence on our students and the quality of education provided in the Knox County Public Schools. Shining Star is one more way we are able to celebrate the achievements of those employees while building others to be service-minded,” said Shelton.
Students, parents, and community members that would like to nominate a classified employee for the Shining Star award may visit any school or district office to pick-up and drop-off a nomination from. Nomination forms may also be printed from the school district’s website.