Capital Region Educational Service District (ESD) 113 named Kathi Dahlstrom their 2024 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year. Dahlstrom is a Paraeducator/Bus Driver in the Wishkah Valley School District.

She believes that the most important part of her job is helping others, according to a news release. She has supported special needs students from elementary to high school, including one for seven straight years.

“I didn’t know what to expect when the school asked me to work with him,” says Dahlstrom. “I had no idea how rewarding it would be to help him. Throughout the last 15 years, I have worked with some of the most challenging students, and I have loved to help them. I have definitely learned more from my students than they have from me.”

Dahlstrom has also led the re-opening of the school concession stand after the pandemic. The booster club folded just before the pandemic began, and she knew there would be a hole in the community without them. Once sports resumed, she and the equestrian team — whom she coaches — ran the concessions stand, which is an integral part of the community. She routinely budgets, makes purchases, and travels 65 miles to pick up supplies for the stand. Not only do the concessions raise funds, but they also bring together the many athletes and families that attend the sporting events in the area and revitalize the sense of community lost during the pandemic.

The selection committee chose Dahlstrom for this award because her dedication to the Wishkah Valley School District community spans many contributions, from driving school buses to serving as a paraeducator to coordinating hot meals at the concessions stand for sporting events.

“She builds connections between the community and school, striving to see students reach their full potential,” the committee states.

The Capital Region ESD 113 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year is one of nine candidates chosen by their respective ESDs who will be considered for Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will select and announce the state winner this fall.