Award-winning WWPS employee returns to his CP roots

By Terry Murry on Monday, May 24th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

COLLEGE PLACE – Washington state Classified Employee of the Year Melito Ramirez is leaving Walla Walla Public Schools as the high school’s intervention specialist. The man who won the national RISE Award is stepping down from the College Place School Board to take on the position of transportation supervisor within the district.

Ramirez began his career in education in College Place, serving in many positions. They include migrant liaison, bus driver, special programs secretary and custodian. After 10 years there, he moved to the Walla Walla School District, but was elected to the College Place School Board in 2018.

“At first I was surprised to see Melito’s name in the pool of candidates for this position, but after talking with him about his desire to return to the district where he began and make a difference in this community, it was crystal clear,” Superintendent Jim Fry stated.

The school board must accept Ramirez’s resignation before he can take the job, which he is scheduled to start on July 1.

Ramirez said he was offered the position at his old school district earlier this spring. “(It) will allow me the opportunity to impact a greater number of students in a broader spectrum,” he stated. “My work as a representative of the classified staff of Washington state and the nation will continue.”