U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced James Green, a school police officer at Broad Street Elementary School in Butler, Pennsylvania, as the 2025 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) honoree. This award, established by Congress in 2019, highlights the contributions of classified school employees to PreK-12 education across the United States.

Classified school employees encompass a wide range of roles including paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades professionals. These individuals provide essential support to schools and contribute significantly to student welfare and success.

Secretary Cardona praised Officer Green's impact on students' lives: “It is impossible to overstate the enormous impact our school employees can have on a student’s life. This year’s RISE awardee, James Green, is a testament to the ways these professionals shape their schools and communities for the better. Officer Jim is more than a school police officer at Broad Street Elementary School. He is a warm confidante, father figure, and mentor to its students and a leader in creating safety response policies that could save lives.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also commended Green's dedication: “Today we celebrate a truly remarkable man and public servant – one who brings great heart and spirit to the school community he serves every day.” He added that Officer Green "embodies the very best of what it means to serve and inspire."

Angela Fitterer, Pennsylvania’s Interim Acting Secretary of Education remarked on Green's role: “In Pennsylvania we believe that every student deserves a safe environment to learn grow reach for success. These supportive environments are made real by dedicated individuals like Officer James Green.”

Dr. Brian White from Butler Area School District expressed pride in Officer Green's achievements: “The RISE award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in service to students...Officer Jim is a model school police officer.”

At Broad Street Elementary School, Officer Green goes beyond his duties by learning each student's name and maintaining engaging displays throughout the hallways. His efforts include giving haircuts to students in need or fixing bikes for those who rely on them for transportation.

Officer Jim has served his community for thirty-six years starting with his time in the United States Marine Corps Reserve where he earned several commendations during his service in the Gulf War. His career continued with roles such as corrections officer at Butler County Prison followed by various positions within Pennsylvania State Police before joining Butler Area School District Police Department.

The process leading up to this recognition began with Congress passing legislation requiring an annual selection of an outstanding classified school employee which resulted this year in 31 nominations from 17 states being reviewed by peers before five finalists were chosen for consideration by Secretary Cardona.

For those interested in nominating someone for future awards should contact their Governor’s office or state representative regarding specific procedures related participation nomination cycle next year.