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Puget Sound Educational Service District Names Flor Rivera Lopez 2026 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year

RENTON, Wash. — Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) is pleased to announce Flor Rivera Lopez as the 2026 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year. 

Flor Rivera is the Human Resources Employment Services and Recruiting Specialist for Auburn School District, where she supports the recruitment and hiring processes across the district. She is committed to making candidates feel comfortable during what can often be an intimidating process. Her approach of leading with kindness, empathy, and authenticity has consistently set her work apart.  

“Flor understands that her work impacts the success of our students and staff," said Dr. Alan Spicciati, superintendent of Auburn School District. "She brings her life experiences, enthusiasm, energy and compassion into every interaction. We are so proud she is representing Auburn and the Puget Sound ESD as the Regional Classified School Employee of the Year.” 

A Journey of Perseverance 

Rivera immigrated to the United States from Mexico at age 8, immediately facing the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. That experience taught her what it means to adapt, persevere, and work hard. She attended school in the Wenatchee School District, where she experienced firsthand the difference that educators and school staff can make in a child's sense of belonging and success. 

Her journey came full circle when she began working as an afterschool tutor in the Wenatchee School District shortly after graduating high school. Supporting students who shared similar experiences helped shape her passion for education, service, and helping others feel seen and supported. 

Rivera continued her career with Auburn School District, serving as an ASB bookkeeper, office manager, and now as a Human Resources Employment Services and Recruiting Specialist. Throughout every role, her mission has remained the same: to create positive experiences for others while helping people feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged.  

“Flor has a broad impact on students. She supports the hiring of classified staff and understands the critical role they play in mirroring the diversity of Auburn’s students,” commented Amber McCulloch, Senior Director, PreK–Postsecondary Systems at PSESD. “She recruits people who understand the community and how that directly impacts student belonging and success.” 

As the youngest sibling in her family and a first-generation college student completing her bachelor's degree in business management with an emphasis in human resources, Rivera is proud to represent the resilience of immigrant families and the importance of representation, perseverance, and community.  

"I am truly humbled and grateful to be selected as the PSESD Regional Classified School Employee of the Year," Rivera said. "It means so much to be recognized for work that I genuinely care deeply about. I feel very lucky to work alongside such amazing colleagues and to support our students, staff, and community every day." 

About the Classified School Employee of the Year Award 

The Classified School Employee of the Year award recognizes one classified employee from the PSESD region who then represents PSESD in the Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year selection process. The state winner becomes Washington's nominee for the U.S. Department of Education's national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award. 

Learn more about the award at https://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/classified-school-employee-year. 

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