Recognizing Achievements: Congratulations to Cx SUPERheroes 2019

Positive customer experiences are everything—especially in schools. They power a variety of initiatives from helping school leaders build trust to retaining families to increasing community engagement. That’s a force that can’t be ignored. 

While everyone plays a role in creating a culture of positive customer experiences, there are certain teachers, staff members, and school leaders who truly go above and beyond to turn everyday interactions into special ones. These superheroes don’t wear a mask or cape, yet their efforts occasionally fly under the radar. 

Enter the K12 Insight Cx SUPERhero Awards. 

We’re recognizing those who are redefining what it means to support students, families, and staff. The contest was open through the month of November, during which school and district employees could nominate colleagues who epitomize what it means to be a customer experience superhero in their district or school. 

We were blown away by the thoughtful and heartfelt submissions that exemplified the five key attributes of SUPER customer service: 

• Service-driven
• Understanding
• Positive, patient, and professional
• Exceeding expectations
• Reflective

After much deliberation, we are excited to announce the three winners of our Cx SUPERhero Awards, along with 10 honorable mentions. Thank you to everyone who submitted, and we look forward to recognizing our next batch of school customer experience superheroes soon! 

Meet our Fall 2019 Cx SUPERheroes! (Presented in alphabetical order by first name.)

Jamie Manning, Instructional Coach, Atlanta Public Schools, GA

“Jamie is always seeking ways to provide a holistic education for teachers and staff. He is a Yes..AND… man… He always says yes and comes with an additional idea to make sure the idea goes above and beyond. He has stayed late into the night decorating classrooms, writing anchor charts all to support teachers. He has started a Cheer team for students and has answered every parent requesting academic support so they can help their children at home. His warmth and enthusiasm makes him an asset at any school or organization. We are extremely lucky to have him as a Toomer Cougar!” — a colleague

Joe Lindsey, Dispatcher, Kansas City Public Schools, MO

“In the fast paced world we live in today, often times we are met with mediocre service. All too often, individuals don’t take the time to build relationships and truly understand the needs of others. Joe Lindsey is the complete opposite. He is always available and willing to assist with ANY questions or concerns. Mr. Lindsey takes pride in his role with KCPS and it shows with every interaction (and he has a lot of them). Mr. Lindsey continues to become a SME, by going above and beyond to ensure that he is fluent with all district policies and procedures to ensure that our building runs smooth and our staff is protected. Joe Lindsey is without a doubt an asset to the KCPS District. Job well done Mr. Lindsey.” — a colleague

“He goes above and beyond to help everyone from coworkers, parents, students and anyone else he comes into contact with while on the job. He is always willing to cover a shift and stay later. Even if it means spending less time with his family. He is all around a wonderful, caring, lovable human being.” — a colleague

Marguerite Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Westside Union School District, CA

“Marguerite will always do the right thing and be fair about it. She is the kindest person to EVERYONE! She rarely complains about anything and puts in hours well beyond a 40-hour work week. Marguerite makes everyone feel like they are important and notices the uniqueness of each individual. For the level of management that she has achieved she is very approachable and will find solutions to any problem. She is a born leader, she always wears a smile and is the first to step up and help anyone.

 Marguerite brings out the best in people and will step back and let them shine. She is not afraid to put others first and is the first one to say she is wrong when she does something wrong, which is very rare! She believes in equity for all and it shows in her everyday deeds.

 Marguerite Johnson is a superhero to Westside for her dedication to the students, teachers, staff and parents. She emits kindness wherever she goes!” — a colleague

Honorable mentions go to:

Julie Thannum, Asst. Supt. for Board & Community Relations, Carroll ISD (TX)

Larry Logan, Ombudsman Resolution Specialist, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)

Laurie Davis, Receptionist, Wake County Public School System (NC)

Linda Hoey, Chief of Family Engagement, Youngstown City School District (OH)

Lisa Solomon, Principal, Santa Ana Unified School District (CA)

Luisa Johnson, Transportation Scheduler, Atlanta Public Schools (GA)

Mary Spires, Service Desk Analyst, Special School District of St. Louis County (MO)

Meghan Hickey, Assistant Director of Student Services, Robbinsdale Area Schools (MN)

Nancy Bryant, GT Mentorship Specialist, Fort Bend ISD (TX)

Scott Beebe, Assistant Superintendent, Marysville School District (WA)

Note: Names and job descriptions appear as they were submitted. For updates, please contact Kyle Freelander at kyle.freelander@k12insight.com. 

Ready to improve the customer experience in your school or district? Download the 2019 State of K-12 Customer Experience Report for more insights.