The 2020 Sylvania Schools Educator of the Year Awards were announced during the September 21, 2020 Sylvania Board of Education meeting.
Nominations were accepted this spring, and then the names of 189 nominated teachers, administrators, classified staff, and volunteers were announced at the end of May 2020.
The announcement of award winners had been delayed this year due to the cancellation of the Sylvania Schools annual Opening Day meeting for district staff in mid-August. "These dedicated honorees consistently inspire students and positively impact our district," read an accompanying statement with the list of award recipients.
The Sylvania Schools tradition of "Educator of the Year" awards began in 1984. Award winners receive a glass apple and recognition from the Board of Education.
Later this year, Educator of the Year Gail Brenner will be nominated by the district for Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Educator of the Year
Gail Brenner
Gail Brenner is a math teacher at Timberstone Junior High. This year will be her 27th year with Sylvania Schools.

Teacher of the Year
Mandy Ballantyne
Mandy Ballantyne is a teacher and intervention specialist at Southview High School and Sylvania Virtual Academy. This is her 23rd year with Sylvania Schools.

Teacher of the Year
Ani Geha
Ani Geha is an art teacher at Whiteford Elementary. This is her 7th year with Sylvania Schools.

Teacher of the Year
Wes Rethman
Wes Rethman is a first grade teacher at Stranahan Elementary. This is his 14th school year with Sylvania Schools.

Support Staff of the Year
Pat Bodeman
Pat Bodeman is a custodian at Maplewood Elementary. This is her 25th year with Sylvania Schools.

Support Staff of the Year
Sharon Lewis
Sharon Lewis is a cafeteria coordinator at Sylvan Elementary. This is her 9th year with Sylvania Schools.

Volunteer of the Year
Kristi Posadny
Kristi Posadny is a parent volunteer at Maplewood Elementary.

Administrator of the Year
Chad Kolebuck
Chad Kolebuck is the principal of Hill View Elementary. This is his 9th year with Sylvania Schools.

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