Schools pick top administrators
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on July 8, 2004 1:58 PM
Two members of Wayne County public schools' administrative staff have been honored and now move on to district competitions.
Nan Barwick, assistant superintendent for finance, has been named 2004 Administrator of the Year by the Wayne County Association of Educational Office Professionals.
Alison Cox, administrative assistant to schools' Superintendent Steven Taylor, has been named 2003-2004 Educational Office Professional of the Year.
Mrs. Barwick has worked for the county schools for the past five years. She is responsible for managing a budget estimated at $158 million and maintains and oversees a staff that focuses on federal, state and local public education appropriations, payroll and employee benefits.
She was nominated by her administrative assistant, Peggy Tate.
"She is fair and understanding," Mrs. Tate said. "She extends herself to offer comfort and solace in times of need and distress, both personal and professional, to all her staff members. She is a professional, a wife and a mother."
Mrs. Cox began working for the school system in 1998. Before becoming Dr. Taylor's assistant, she worked in personnel.
She has been involved in the local and state Educational Office Personnel organizations, heading up several committees. She became president of the local chapter this year and worked to recruit new members.
She has been recognized by the district for the most new recruits for 2003-04 and went on to state competition where she tied for the Top Membership Recruitment Award.
Mrs. Cox also initiated the publishing of the local organization's newsletter.
"Mrs. Cox is a true professional who exemplifies all attributes needed to receive the WCAEOP Award," Taylor said. "Her work has helped to improve standards and increase membership in this organization. She gives invaluable assistance to the superintendent and Board of Education and maintains on a daily basis a strong work ethic necessary for the responsibilities assigned."