by Mary Jo David

The Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation is an important community partner throughout the year, offering scholarships and other investments in education within the community. One of SAEF’s most notable contributions is featured as school staff kicks off a new year. That’s when members of the school board, the school superintendent, and all in attendance at the Staff Welcome Back breakfast honor the Stockbridge Community Schools Employee of the Year.

The award is especially notable for 2025-2026 because SAEF found itself in the enviable position of not being able to choose just one Employee of the Year—but two! Nominations from coworkers in the school district help to determine who wins the award each year. This year, the 2025-2026 Employee of the Year award was presented to Bob Richards, a teacher at the Jr./Sr. High School who also serves as FFA advisor and leads the students’ InvenTeam, and Jessica Lane, payroll and benefits specialist in Business Services. 

Richards was recognized for the number of roles he has filled—educator, mentor, advocate, coach, veteran, innovator, and community leader—and for filling those roles with passion, integrity, and excellence.

Says Trapp about Richards, “His vision and leadership have transformed educational opportunities within our district. His influence can be seen in the success of his students, the strength of his programs, and the lasting impact Bob has made on Stockbridge Schools and the community as a whole.”

Richards shared the following with Stockbridge Community News: “I’m honored to be selected as this year’s award recipient. I’m looking forward to growing our agricultural education and computer science programs here at Stockbridge Community Schools. It’s important for teachers and students to try new things and explore all the opportunities available to us if we want to improve our schools and instructional programs.”

Lane was recognized for putting the needs of others first and not hesitating to step in wherever needed.

According to Superintendent Jeff Trap, “I have experienced this firsthand. Jessica’s ability to adapt, learn new responsibilities, and continue providing the same high level of support in all her positions is truly admirable and reflects her strong work ethic and dedication to our district.”

Lane told the Stockbridge Community News, “I am so incredibly blessed to have a job I love, in a community I Iove, with a ton of awesome coworkers. I am truly humbled and felt the love.”

Both Lane and Richards had family on hand to surprise them when Trapp announced the awards.

Since 2013 the Teacher of the Year award is accompanied by $1,500 to be put toward any educational pursuit desired by the winner. This award has been made possible by a generous donation from the Mitteer family in honor of Helen Bullis Mitteer, who began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in 1929, and continued to teach in Stockbridge schools for the next 40 years.

Photos by Julie White