board meeting presesntation

PCSSD School Board Recognizes “Inspiration in Education”

(PULASKI COUNTY, Ark.) - The Pulaski County Special School District Board of Education presented the 4th Quarter Inspiration in Education Award  award to Carolyn Lipsmeyer, counselor at Sylvan Hills High School. The award presentation took place during the May board meeting held virtually on Thursday, May 21. 

The PCSSD communications department received nearly 50 nominations for the Inspiration in Education Award this quarter. Ms. Lipsmeyer was nominated by a colleague, Sharon Stuthard, earlier this quarter and selected among seven other nominations.

Stuthard, a teacher at Sylvan Hills High School, has known Lipsmeyer for 20 years and praised her colleague for her dedication and tireless effort to support the students at Sylvan Hills High School. Stuthard pointed out how Lipsmeyer continues to do the "fun" stuff for the seniors during the quarantine period.

“She has put in more hours than any other person on our staff,” Stuthard said. “She chased all the seniors to make sure that they graduate and she worked with credit recovery to be sure all students pass. She loves her job and it shows with everything she does.”

Sylvan Hills High principal, Tracy Allen, complimented Lipsmeyer during the board meeting for her hard work and dedication to the students. 

“She is the heartbeat of our school,” Allen said. “She’s a talented educator that possesses a strong work ethic and a passion for working with students. There’s nothing she can’t do! She’s motivated, a problem-solver and cheerleader who lifts up others when needed.”

When Lipsmeyer isn’t busy taking care of her students at Sylvan Hills High, she spends time working at a local hospital in the lab. Along with the honor of being selected, Lipsmeyer received a plaque and a check for $250.

The Board of Education created the Inspiration in Education Award to honor certified and support staff members who are inspirational to their students or colleagues in their roles at PCSSD. Additionally, the award recognizes employees who exhibit traits including leadership, mentoring, dedication, excellence and effectiveness in their places of work. 

The Inspiration in Education award is presented to the winner quarterly in October, December, February and May. Anyone -- a colleague, student, patron of the district, board member, etc. -- may nominate a PCSSD employee for the award. The applications will be reviewed by the Superintendent's Cabinet for ranking, and the highest scorer will be named the quarterly winner and receive the award from the PCSSD Board of Education.