(KNZA)--Hiawatha High School English Teacher Jennifer Dunn has been selected as the USD 415 Teacher of the Year for 2016-17.

Dunn and several other USD 415 staff members were recognized at this week's Board of Education meeting.

Each year, teachers of USD 415 select one of their peers for the recognition.  The teachers in each building select a candidate from among the teachers in their building.  The entire teaching staff then votes on the three candidates, choosing one as the Hiawatha Teacher of the Year.

Besides Dunn, nominated for the honor were Hiawatha Elementary School teacher Sarah Ronnebaum and Hiawatha Middle School counselor Kyley Gatz.

Board President Dr. Pete Rosa presented certificates of recognition to Ronnebaum and Gatz.  Dunn was not able to attend the meeting.

Rosa also presented certificates of recognition to several other USD 415 staff members nominated by students for outstanding work in support of student learning.

They included high school library assistant/extended day tutor Kathy Kliewer, 4th grade teacher Kelsey Lee, 3rd grade teacher Kendelle Runer, Elementary School Principal Tom Schmitz, Gatz and district school psychologist Lisa Pierce