03 Apr 2023 PCSSD gives Inspiration in Education award

PULASKI COUNTY — The Pulaski County Special School District Board of Education presented the third quarter Inspiration in Education award for the 2022-2023 school year at a special board meeting on March 29.

The third installment of this school year’s Inspiration in Education award was presented to Dung Ha, senior application developer for the district. Ha received two separate nominations out of 26 total nominations for this quarter. Only one other employee received multiple nominations. 

Ha has worked for PCSSD for nearly three decades with the technology department working to ensure data across the district is managed properly.

“He has aided in our district’s compliance with our data for 29 years,” said Jimmy Hogg, Director of Technology for PCSSD. “Oftentimes, people do not know all the requirements for state compliance. Dung is exceptional in his field and is committed to his work and will assist anyone that needs assistance.”

Another colleague in the IT department pointed out the critical role that Ha plays in the day-to-day operations within PCSSD by providing detailed financial reports and other data-driven reports for senior leadership. 

“He is among the most knowledgeable and hardest workers I have had the privilege to work with throughout my career,” said Juanita Croon, helpdesk manager and a former Inspiration in Education award winner. “He has been dedicated not only to his team but has built valuable working relationships across departments in support of all staff, students, and stakeholders. His critical thinking skills and willingness to mentor and provide advice and support across departments have enabled others to accomplish their goals.”

It goes without saying that Ha is highly respected by his peers and his 29 years of service in PCSSD are greatly appreciated. He plans to retire at the end of this school year and his colleagues wish him the best.

“This is Dung’s last year with us and I want to celebrate his service, his work ethic, his kindness, his generosity, and his patience,” said Hogg. 

“He is a humble leader in change,” added Croon. “He is truly an inspiration in education and is irreplaceable.”

The Board of Education created the Inspiration in Education award to honor certified and support staff members who are inspirational to their students or colleagues in their roles at PCSSD. Additionally, the award recognizes employees who exhibit traits including leadership, mentoring, dedication, excellence and effectiveness in their places of work. 

The Inspiration in Education award is presented to the winner quarterly in October, December, March and May. Anyone may nominate a PCSSD employee for the award. The applications are reviewed by the Superintendent’s Cabinet for ranking, and the highest scorer is named the quarterly winner and receives the award from the PCSSD Board of Education.