Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

3/22/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
Honors Staff Member Frank Nelson

The Auburn School Board of Directors will recognize Frank Nelson, supervisor of operations and facilities maintenance, for his outstanding service to Auburn School District.

Serving in his position since 1981, Mr. Nelson supervises district custodians, paint shop staff, carpenters, and laundry staff. As supervisor, he is on call 24 hours a day and monitors all district buildings and schools. Mr. Nelson enjoys his job. “There is something different happening all the time, and I work with such a diverse group of people. Everybody has a specialty, which makes it easy to draw on their strengths. There is great staff in all the departments. As supervisor, I get the compliments, but they are the direct results of the staff’s work ethic,” says Mr. Nelson. “I just give them support, like finding solutions to problems.”

In his spare time, Mr. Nelson tends to his small farm and beloved animals. He also restores old cars and enjoys hunting and fishing. His favorite pastime, though, is spending time with his five granddaughters, ages one to 16, and his two daughters.

For 20 years, Mr. Nelson has been very active in the local Optimist Club, serving as an original charter member as well as lifetime member. He also donates his time in other local volunteer activities and services. “I like to help others. That’s the way it was in my hometown of Apache, Oklahoma. Everyone helped others.” Mr. Nelson graduated from Apache High School and attended Cameron Junior College in Oklahoma. He then served in the Navy for four years and worked for The Boeing Company for two years. Mr. Nelson moved to the Northwest because of his job with Boeing.

In 1973, he was hired by Auburn School District as a third shift custodian at Cascade Junior High, where he worked for six years. He was promoted to head custodian at Evergreen Heights Elementary School for two years and then head custodian at Lakeview Elementary School for one year. “Around the community, I always see former students who are now adults. They come up and still remember me for being a school custodian all those years ago,” recalls Mr. Nelson.

Mr. Nelson pursues professional growth by attending Washington Association of Maintenance and Operations Administrators (WAMOA) workshops. “I am always looking for products and equipment that do things more efficiently. Auburn School District is so committed to the upkeep of our schools and buildings, and the community supports that.” Randy Thomas, director of maintenance and operations, praises Mr. Nelson for his more than three decades of service, “Frank’s promotions throughout the years were a direct result of his strong work ethic and dedication. Teachers always know Frank will go the extra mile. The district as a whole is fortunate to employ such an outstanding administrator.”

For additional information, contact Superintendent Linda Cowan at (253) 931-4914.