Brainerd Public School Employees Receive Award

Updated: August 30, 2016 at 12:31 PM

Three staff members of the Brainerd Public School District were recognized Monday night for their commitment to student success. The 4th annual Above and Beyond Award were presented to Margaret Knebel, Steve Lendobeja and Brian Bordwell during an all staff meeting.

Employees, students, parents and other community members were invited to nominate a staff member that has a positive attitude that inspires others to exceed expectations for the students. The forms are collected through out the year and selections are made in May by a district committee. 34 nominations were received in total.

Knebel is an Occupational Therapist with the Paul Bunyan Educational Cooperative that provides services to the district. Lendobeja is a Technician in the Technology department. Bordwell is an Industrial Arts teacher at Brainerd High School.

“[Bordwell] is described as ‘the nicest guy’ and ‘always willing to help someone out,’ said Andrea Rusk, Brainerd High School principal, in a statement. “He has a wonderful balance of building great relationships with his students yet maintains a professional commitment to being their teacher, responsible for preparing them for life after high school. He spends almost every night after school and most Saturday mornings for months working with students.”

The winners received an Above and Beyond jacket, personal plaque and will also have their names on an ongoing plaque in the district building.