Our Educational Family Inspires Excellence

Our employee recognition programs serve as a powerful reminder that the contributions of every staff member are essential to fulfilling our shared purpose.

Employee recognition efforts highlight and value the accomplishments of our dedicated professionals.

Chesapeake Public Schools Strategic Plan  

Power of the Peake - Employee Recognition

Introduced in the fall of 2024, the Power of the Peake employee recognition program highlights the remarkable contributions our district employees are making on a daily basis within their schools, departments, and communities.
The Power of the Peake award recognizes dynamic individuals and celebrates their inspiring work to provide meaningful learning experiences, engaging efforts to lead, and empowering contributions within a department.

Power of the Peake Honorees

March 2025

SUPPORT

Photo of Chuck Heilig

Chuck Heilig
Sr. Programmer Analyst
Technology and Innovation

"Chuck is one of the key stakeholders in the UKG Ready Implementation Project. Chuck is using his extensive knowledge of our current ERP systems to implement the data mapping and data export/import functions that will ensure the new platform is ready to go. He is supporting all facets of this new platform which will streamline applying for a job at CPS, onboarding new employees, and will make it easier to maintain employee accounts through employee self service. Chuck is using his knowledge of our data repositories and current integrations to make sure this implementation is a great success for CPS and our community."

 

TEACH

Photo of Julie Wagner

Julie Wagner
Teacher
Hickory High School

"Mrs. Wagner is both a teacher and a mentor. She is an amazing person to talk to and she inspires many students. She has been a teacher, club leader, mentor, and friend to me. Mrs. Wagner not only teaches her students but she supports and encourages them. I never thought I would love a teacher or trust one as much as I do her. Mrs. Wagner has given advice that has changed my life and mentality. This world needs more people like Mrs. Wagner who are supportive, kind, and just genuinely amazing. I go see Mrs. Wagner often, not because I have to but because she cultivates an amazing atmosphere that I want to be a part of. If anyone deserves to be recognized for the Power of the Peake, it is Mrs. Wagner."

 

LEAD

Photo of Herbert Byrd

Herbert Byrd
Assistant Director
Student Transportation

"Mr. Byrd’s unwavering commitment to student safety is evident in his daily work. He not only ensures that students are transported to and from school safely but also works closely with principals, schools, and various entities to address and resolve any logistical challenges that may arise. His strategic planning skills are unmatched, allowing him to devise innovative solutions to complex transportation issues. Even when requests cannot be accommodated through standard means, Mr. Byrd works diligently to find alternative solutions, always maintaining a positive attitude and a solution-oriented mindset."

 

Annual Award Recipients

Meet our award-winning staff members!

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2025 Chesapeake Teacher of the Year is Kaitlyn Gabriel

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2024 Excellence in Leadership for Secondary Schools is Dee Williams, principal of Oscar Smith Middle

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2024 CPS Health Services Nurse of the Year is Penny Dunbary, a member of our float nurse crew.