April 15, 2019

Today Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District celebrated the signing of the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act (H.R. 276), which she introduced in January 2019. The new law highlights the vital contributions of school employees such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, security guards, and nurses by establishing the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program. 

Congresswoman Titus authored the legislation to recognize outstanding school employees like Ms. Virginia Mills of Las Vegas, whom she praised in her floor speech when the bill passed the House. Under the new law, the Secretary of Education will annually honor the contributions made by a PreK-12 school employee from one of the following classified staff categories: paraprofessionals, clerical services, custodial and maintenance services, transportation services, food services, skilled trades, health and student services, security services, and technical services.

“School nurses, janitors, counselors, cafeteria workers, security guards, and bus drivers work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our students and schools,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-1). “Yet, too often their contributions go unrecognized. Now we will honor the dedicated employees who devote time and effort to help students become the best versions of themselves.”

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