Lori Sanford, office manager at Lea Hill Elementary School, is the Puget Sound ESD’s 2010 Classified School Employee of the Year.

Sanford, who has worked in the Auburn School District for 18 years, has been an ambassador for the school, creating a welcoming environment for students and families starting with the first visit and each encounter thereafter.

A few of her many responsibilities are managing the school budget, payroll and work orders. She is in charge of school communication, including the school calendars, Web site, newsletter, outside reader board, weekly bulletin and events notices.

Sanford also has chaired the safety committee and written two successful safety grants, awarding the school funds to purchase safety supplies for the school crossing zone, supplies for the safety container and walkie-talkies for emergency communication. She collaborated with the local city government to help facilitate the installation of cameras in the local walking zone.

In addition, she is the ASB liaison and teaches students about fundraising finances, bill paying and handling of student funds.

The Puget Sound Classified Employee of the Year Program is part of the Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year Program. Each ESD selects one Classified School Employee of the Year from the school districts within their region. The regional recipients become nominees to the Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year Program.