On Friday, April 19, Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Tim Hire surprised the three winners named in the 30th Annual Tulare County Excellence in Education Awards program. The three winners notified were Alexa Barba-Tepper (2024 Administrator/Manager of the Year), Kristy Caesar (2024 Teacher of the Year), and Lisa Kruger (2024 School Employee of the Year).

 “The winners are all phenomenal educators, creatively addressing the needs of their students and the communities they serve,” Hire said.

In March, a selection committee of Tulare County business and education leaders met to review the nominees in each of the three categories. A total of 30 nominations were received this year from Tulare County school districts. Each nomination was reviewed and scored individually by every member of the selection committee.