Putnam County Schools is proud to announce that Kristi Damron, financial secretary at Scott Teays Elementary School and the 2026 Putnam County Schools’ School Service Employee of the Year, has been named one of West Virginia’s 2026 School Service Personnel of the Year finalists.
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced its five finalists for the 2026 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year (SPOY) on July 22, 2025. Finalists are chosen from classroom aides, bus operators, cafeteria workers, custodians, maintenance workers, office workers, and other school service personnel for outstanding contributions to their school and community.
Damron’s integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to her school community have earned her the highest respect from colleagues, students, and families alike. In her role as financial secretary, she consistently earns excellent audit reviews, is widely recognized for her exceptional organizational skills, and provides leadership in mentoring new financial secretaries across the district.
Beyond her financial responsibilities, Damron’s commitment to service is evident in the countless ways she supports her school. She greets each student by name, offers encouragement and emotional support, and steps in wherever she is needed—whether filling in for custodial staff, maintaining school grounds, assisting families, or even volunteering as the school mascot.
Her dedication was perhaps most profoundly demonstrated in October 2023, when her swift and decisive action saved the life of a student experiencing cardiac arrest. For her lifesaving response, Damron was honored with the prestigious Zoll Hero for Life Award.
“Kristi embodies the very best of what it means to serve in public education,” said John Hudson, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools. “Her humility, professionalism, and selfless dedication make a difference every single day for our students, staff, and families.”
Damron’s lifelong commitment to service reflects the core values of Putnam County Schools and the vital role that school service personnel play in student success. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her the best as she represents Putnam County as a finalist for the 2026 West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year.
The WVDE will honor all SPOY and Teacher of the Year finalists and name the 2026 winners during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Learn more by visiting the West Virginia School Service Personnel of the Year page on the WVDE website.