Executive assistant recognized with A+ Award at Sept. 25 board meeting

Jennifer Farris, assistant to Interim Superintendent Mark Hershiser, was honored for her service to the district and her commitment to district values as part of an A+ Award recognition at Monday’s school board meeting.

Hershiser and Board of Education members surprised Farris with the award:

“This person has always wanted to remain behind the scenes and for the most part has been successful in doing so,” Board of Education Member Vaughn Bell said during the meeting. 

“(Hershiser) has frequently referred to her as the district MVP because she is the go-to person for not only the Superintendent’s office, but for countless people across the district.”

Farris joined Westerville City Schools as a substitute in 2001 and has served in the district in multiple roles including building secretary. In 2008, she helped open the Enrollment Center, located in the OhioHealth Medical building. In 2010, she became the executive assistant to Hershiser, who was then Deputy Superintendent. In December 2022, she became the executive assistant to previous Superintendent Dr. John Kellogg. 

A+ awards are presented to an individual employee or a group of employees who distinguish themselves through a single act or ongoing exemplary performance that demonstrate:

• Support of the district's Mission Statement, which is, "To prepare students to contribute to the competitive and changing world in which we live;"
• Willingness to go above and beyond normal expectations in support of students; and
• Behavior consistent with one or more of the district's values, including respect, inclusiveness, community, communication, collaboration, innovation, nurturing, trust and accountability.