LA PLATA, Md. – Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) recently announced the 2026 Outstanding Non-Certificated Staff Award winners. Each year, non-certificated staff are nominated by supervisors and colleagues with letters of support.
This year’s awardees include Jonelle Rutledge, food service manager at Phoenix School of the Arts (PISOTA); Clarence Dunn, building service manager at Dr. James Craik Elementary School; Shawn Sellner, CCPS equipment mechanic; Brady Ferruzza, CCPS computer analyst; Jennifer Boteler, CCPS maintenance assistant; Kelli Wiley, instructional support at T.C. Martin Elementary School; and Deborah Booze, secretary at Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School.
Food service — Jonelle Rutledge
Before serving as the food and nutrition services manager at PISOTA, Rutledge began her career with CCPS in 2022 as the assistant food and nutrition services manager at Mary B. Neal Elementary School. “She is a reliable, hardworking and professional employee who consistently performs duties with care and efficiency,” Patricia Arnold, FNS manager at Neal, said. “She takes pride in her work and contributes positively to the workplace.” Rutledge is known for her connection, support and care for the students at the school. PISOTA Assistant Principal (AP) Bryan Hill said that she brings a blend of pride, professionalism and genuine care to her role. “She knows every child by name, not because she has to, but because she truly wants to,” he said. PISOTA Principal Jasmine Bateman, Ed.D., agrees. “Her consistency and attention to detail demonstrate how seriously she takes her role in supporting the whole child,” she said.
CCPS operations — Shawn Sellner
Sellner is no stranger to the field of engineering as he has served as a residential trainee with Mona Electric Inc. and a certified engineer with Safeway Inc. prior to his current role as the equipment mechanic III with CCPS. Since 2020 his work at CCPS has gone beyond the everyday operations and shines through his commitment to his craft. “He is often the first volunteer when a colleague needs assistance and regularly stays late to ensure that equipment is ready for the next day’s operations,” Norbert Farmer, building service manager at Mudd, said. “His attention to detail and strong sense of responsibility play a critical role in the smooth functioning of daily operations,” April Murphy, CCPS supervisor of operations, said. CCPS building service managers have similar sentiments of Sellner’s work, being highly skilled and consistently puts in effort to get the job done. “He does not simply meet expectations, he exceeds them,” Karl Myer, building service manager at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, said. “Shawn brings a sense of care and pride into the workplace each and every day.”
Building service manager — Clarence Dunn
As the building service manager at Craik, Dunn has become a vital part of the school community. He started his career as the building service assistant manager with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) in 1990 before starting at Craik in 2005. He is known for his reliability, consistency and providing a safe and welcoming environment. “His reliability is unmatched, he is consistently punctual and dependable, setting a strong example for others,” Kimberly Hairston, assistant principal (AP) at Craik, said. Dunn puts in every effort to ensure the school day is conducive for students to learn. He serves in the building where he is needed and is known for going above and beyond his everyday duties. “He consistently fills in serving food when the cafeteria staff is shorthanded,” Mike Paust, teacher at Craik, said. “During our renovation, he spent multiple weekends at the school ensuring that work could be continued. In essence, he worked six days a week, often pulling double shifts in the building as well.”
Secretary — Deborah Booze
Prior to working at Dr. Mudd, Booze served as a membership supervisor for the National Association Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) and a member team lead for a human resources company. She started working with CCPS in 2019 as a human resources secretary at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, then a front office secretary at J.P. Ryon Elementary School and then transferred in 2021 to her current position as the registration/attendance secretary at Dr. Mudd. Booze is known for being “dependable and committed to excellence in all that she does,” Dr. Mudd Prinicpal Portia Parker said. “Whether addressing parent concerns, supporting staff needs, managing registration responsibilities, or responding to unexpected issues that arise throughout the day, she approaches each task with focus, patience and a solution-oriented mindset.” Booze is often the first face that families see at Dr. Mudd providing a “welcoming and reassuring presence to students, families and staff alike,” Jasmine Hawkins, behavior specialist at Dr. Mudd, said. Booze manages the enrollment and withdrawal process at the school. “She greets everyone with kindness, patience and a genuine willingness to help,” Michelle Thompson, first-grade teacher at Dr. Mudd, said. Cailey Wilkinson, fourth-grade student at Dr. Mudd, says that Booze helps students to have a better day with her smile and kind words. “She helps many students like me feel better and ready to return to class,” she said.
Instructional support— Kelli Wiley
Wiley began her career with CCPS as a substitute teacher in 2007 before becoming an instructional assistant (IA) at Martin in 2015 where she supported classroom activities and guided play. As a math interventionalist, she is committed to meeting the needs of each student. “She consistently goes above and beyond to support their individual needs,” Laura Liverman, technology facilitator at Martin, said. Wiley is known for her support that goes beyond her everyday duties. “She willingly steps in to assist during teacher shortages, supports classroom instruction when needed and consistently demonstrates flexibility and teamwork,” Tamara Barnes, Martin assistant principal (AP), said. She is often found in the main foyer of the school, welcoming students with encouragement for their day. “She is someone we can rely on to do what she does best: support students and teachers with excellence, compassion and professionalism,” Martin Principal Ethel Hosendorf said.
Maintenance — Jennifer Boteler
Boteler is a calm presence in the CCPS operations department. Travis Harman, CCPS foreman, said that when tasks get demanding, she remains patient and steady in her demeanor and attitude. She joined the team in 2020 during the pandemic and quickly adjusted to new CCPS technology platforms. She earned her Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification to strengthen her knowledge and provide support to the department. “Whether learning updated procedures or adapting to new processes, she is always willing to expand her skills to better support her team,” Amanda Kline, executive assistant for CCPS operations and supporting services, said. She quickly adapts to new systems involving timekeeping, P-cards, procurement requirements and work orders. “Her patience, clear communication and willingness to teach have made a meaningful impact across the department,” Thomas Gragan Jr., supervisor of maintenance, said. Her ‘can-do’ attitude puts her in positions to offer help where it is needed. “She is a highly valued member of our team,” Gragan said.
Information technology — Brady Ferruzza
Ferruzza has been with CCPS since 2022 starting as a temporary computer analyst working mainly at Matthew Henson Middle School. In 2023 he moved to the position of computer analyst I for Piccowaxen Middle School and Dr. Thomas L. Higdon Elementary School. Piccowaxen Principal Wualanda Thenstead said that Ferruzza is known for taking initiative and identifying and solving technology issues before they can disrupt instruction. “Every student has been able to start each school year since 2022 with a working device,” she said. He is a vital part of the team at Higdon as well, traveling between the two schools, he adjusts his schedule to meet the needs of each school. “His willingness to adjust on short notice demonstrates his strong work ethic and his commitment to serving our entire school community,” Higdon Principal Jennifer Posey said. He continues to further his professional growth by earning his CompTIA Security+ certification. He quickly finds solutions to technology issues and has created documentation to ensure others can follow the processes well. “He is a dedicated and hardworking member of our team and consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic,” Jill Warring, CCPS help desk administrator, said.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 39 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).
