Butler, PA – Today, Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin visited Broad Street Elementary School in the Butler Area School District to present school police officer James Green with the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award and celebrate his contributions to the school community.
The RISE Award, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, honors a school employee who provides exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school. To be eligible for the award, an individual must be a full- or part-time non-teaching school employee, including paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
“Officer James Green exemplifies the heart and soul of what it means to be a dedicated public servant. His commitment to not only the safety of Broad Street Elementary students – but also to their emotional well-being – is a testament to the impact that support professionals can have on a school community,” Secretary Mumin said. “Officer Green’s work is a shining example of the positive influence school staff can have on the lives of children, and it is an honor to recognize him with the RISE Award today.”
At Broad Street Elementary School, Green’s job is to keep students and staff safe – but he goes and above and beyond the job description in many ways. Officer Green makes a point to learn every student’s name and make sure they feel seen and heard. He maintains a “living yearbook” in the hallways featuring photos from school events, and each year he decorates the main hallways for the holidays with elaborate displays that have been featured in the local newspaper.
Officer Green prioritizes each student’s well-being and finds ways to meet their needs. He’s given students haircuts, helped a blind student learn to play catch, and has fixed bikes that students need to travel to and from school. Through the school’s reward system for good behavior, students can choose to have lunch or play catch with Officer Green.
Co-workers describe him as a father figure and role model who inspires students to take pride in their school. Officer Green’s positive energy reaches into the community through information sessions on school safety for parents.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring Pennsylvania students – and the teachers and school staff who support them -- have the resources they need to learn and grow all year long. The 2024-25 budget secured a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding—the largest in Pennsylvania history. The education budget also includes $100 million for safety and mental health supports in schools, and a $100 million increase for special education funding.
The Shapiro Administration has asked the U.S. Secretary of Education to consider Green for the national RISE award, which will be announced in the spring.