Cypress School District honors teachers and staff; board approves book donations for school libraries

The Cypress School District board on March 12 honored the district’s 2025–26 Teacher and Classified Employees of the Year and approved a small library donation program.

Acting Superintendent Tracy Morren Lawrence announced nominees and winners across certificated and classified categories. Trustees and guests applauded recipients, and Jeannie Kim of Morris/Vessels (third-grade teacher) was recognized as the district’s Teacher of the Year. Classified employees honored included Mercedes Cole (LVN) and others nominated from multiple sites; the Rotary Club presented a $250 award to a recipient during the recognitions.

Later in the meeting trustees discussed and approved paying for six copies per school of two book titles chosen from clerk-recommended lists: the picture book The Book That Almost Rhymed (targeted at preschool–grade 2) and the chapter book Spy School (targeted at grades 3–7). Trustees debated grade-range priorities and agreed to purchase both a lower- and upper-grade title to serve elementary-grade reading needs; trustees indicated they or the board would reimburse the purchase costs.

Trustees praised staff for the recognition event and encouraged the district to continue traditions that celebrate educators and classified staff.