ROYAL CITY - Matt Barret and Lori Kallenberger have been honored as the Royal School District's employees of the year. They were nominated by Royal School District staff.

Barret is the certified employee of the year, and Kallenberger is classified employee of the Year.

Barret has worked for the district for 11 years and teaches special education students at Royal Middle School.

"Mr. Barret is a dedicated and thoughtful teacher who cares deeply for students," Superintendent Rose Search said. "He goes the extra mile to help students achieve whatever goal they are working toward, continually encouraging them to do the best they can."

Barret's students are passing the state science MSP at twice the state's special education average. At any given time throughout the day you will find his classroom filled with students immersed in studies, dropping by for a bit of help, seeking refuge from the cold before the school day begins, or just hanging out.

"Mr. Barret truly deserves the title of 2013 Royal School District Certificated Employee of the Year," Search said.

Kallenberger has worked for the school district since 1991, and is a much-loved custodian.

"She is a hard worker, dedicated to quality and has a great work ethic, which does not go unnoticed," Search said. "If she is pulled away from her usual duties to help elsewhere, she happily agrees.

"Ms. Kallenberger's dependability, good humor and smile are legendary, and she consistently goes beyond her normal duties to make sure that students and staff alike are well taken care of. Royal School District is fortunate to have her on the team, and we thank her for her relentless pursuit of excellence."

On May 1, the annual Grant County Excellence Banquet, sponsored by the North Central Education Service District, will honor these employees at Big Bend Community College.