HOUSTON – Nov. 28, 2018 – Spring ISD’s Director of Distribution Services Kevin Johnson walked into the district’s warehouse on Tuesday not expecting to see his team and members of the Spring ISD Board of Trustees gathered to present him with the November Employee Excellence Award.
“These people today said some very good things about you,” Board President Rhonda Newhouse told Johnson during the surprise ceremony. “You are being honored today and this may come as a surprise to you but each month, your school board members get together and look at applications where employees can submit names of other employees that they want to recognize. As a result, you are our ‘Employee of the Month’ for Spring ISD.”
Johnson was nominated by an anonymous Spring ISD supervisor through the district’s “elevate” online submission. Any employees, parent, or community member can enter a nomination and each month, the Board of Trustees will select a winner for recognition at the monthly board meeting.
“It was shocking and unexpected,” said Johnson. “It feels great and honestly, coming from my team means the most because I come to work every day to ensure that they enjoy coming into work.”
On hand for the presentation were Trustees Winford Adams Jr., Donald Davis, Jana Gonzales and Dr. Deborah Jensen. Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Rodney Watson and Spring ISD Chief Operations Officer Mark Miranda also attended the presentation for Johnson.
“Thank you for supporting our children, it’s very much appreciated,” Adams told Johnson. “We do see the hard work in what you do.”
Johnson began his career at Spring ISD three years ago working in the Distribution Services department. Since then, his team has credited him for bringing tons of energy and action to the department while leading by example.
According to the nomination submitted for Johnson, “He is always looking for ways to work smarter and harder as a district. He has led many initiatives for change in his department and as a result, his team conducts their duties with a positive and can-do attitude as well.”
In 2017, Johnson was recognized by the district for exhibiting the “Springway” core values while helping those in need during the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Although being recognized for the Employee Excellence Award, Johnson says it’s his team that deserves the credit.
“My team is always open to change and they’re always willing to assist at every turn,” said Johnson. “There’s never a moment where they’re not thinking about, ‘How can we benefit the kids?’”
Johnson received a framed certificate and a special Spring ISD recognition pin during the brief presentation along with a check for $100. He will join other 2018-19 winners at the district’s annual Employee Recognition Banquet next spring for a chance to be awarded a $1,000 prize.