Eric Nerison, who served eight years as Kalama School District Superintendent, was recently named the 2022 School Employee of the Year by the Kalama Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber recognized Nerison not only for his leadership in 2022, but throughout his tenure at the district. In April, Nerison announced that he would be stepping down from his role as Superintendent at the end of the 2022-2023 school year in order to be closer to his family in the Puget Sound area.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the Kalama community as superintendent, and I truly appreciate the Chamber's recognition of me as a school employee,” said Nerison. “However, the truth of the matter is that there are a host of people in the district and the community who have enabled the success of Kalama schools over the last eight years.
“I encourage the community and school staff to continue to build upon the long-standing legacy of success that Kalama has enjoyed for many years. The future is bright in Kalama!”
Previous School Employees of the Year include:
- Charlie Newton (2021)
- Dennis Watts (2020)
- Tammy Smith (2018)
- Chris Stone (2017)
- Lori Byrnes (2016)
- Brynan Shipley (2015)
- Jeff Johnson (2014)
- Kathy Schmitt (2013)
- Jane Delker (2012)
- Debbie Merz (2011)
- Victoria Wells (2010)
- Carrie Lindsay (2009)
- Laura Hiatt (2008)
- Nate Salisbury (2007)
- Tom Eastwood (2006)
Note: The Chamber did not give out a 2019 School Employee of the Year award due to the pandemic.