The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognized Tami Bauer, office manager at Lakeland Hills Elementary, as the outstanding staff member of the month at Monday night’s board meeting.

Bauer has been the office manager at Lakeland Hills for six years. Prior to Lakeland Hills, she was the office manager at Hazelwood Elementary for 13 years. She took a two-year break from Auburn and worked in Oregon for two years.

She regularly interacts with students and parents who come to the office for any reason. She is kind, compassionate and always willing to help in any way. Nothing is too big of a challenge for her.

Principal Colleen Barlow said, “Tami is an invaluable employee to Lakeland Hills and makes a difference every day.”

The school board also recognized Gerardo Cortez, a fifth-grader at Gildo Rey Elementary, as the outstanding student of the month.

Gildo Rey’s teachers unanimously selected Cortez. He takes his education seriously, and he sets the bar high.

“He is the hardest working student I have ever encountered, and it is evident his hard work has paid off,” said Cortez’ teacher, Hannah Johnson. “Every teacher is consistently impressed by his intellect and work ethic.”