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News Release

Investing In Staff Wellness: Kelso School District Receives Fourth Consecutive Zo8 Award (Photo) - 03/16/26

Kelso School District has once again been recognized for its commitment to employee health and wellbeing, earning the Zo8 Award from the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Washington Wellness initiative for the fourth consecutive year.

 

The Zo8 Award honors organizations that implement best practices aligned with the SmartHealth Workplace Wellness Roadmap, an eight-step framework designed to build strong, sustainable wellness programs that support employee wellbeing.

 

At Kelso School District, employee wellness is more than a program—it is a core part of the district’s commitment to supporting the people who serve students every day. The district’s strategic plan prioritizes staff wellbeing through a comprehensive approach that includes a robust Employee Assistance Program offering free, confidential counseling and resources, wellness training opportunities at school sites, and regular staff wellness surveys to better understand employee needs.

 

Central to these efforts is the district’s Wellness Committee, led by Human Resources Director Dr. Holly Budge and composed of staff members representing a wide range of roles across the district—including teachers, principals, counselors, administrators, and human resources personnel. The committee meets quarterly to review program results, identify emerging needs, and develop strategies to strengthen wellness supports for staff.

 

“When our staff feel supported and valued, it strengthens every classroom and every school,” said Dr. Budge. “This award celebrates the collective effort of our Wellness Committee and staff to build a culture of wellbeing across Kelso School District.”

 

Washington Wellness recognized Zo8 Award recipients during a celebration on February 24, where participating organizations received awards and certificates honoring the teams who lead their wellness efforts.

 

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

Attached Media Files: KSD Wellness Committee members Holly Budge, Adrean Werly, Crystal Smith, and Gunnar Guttormsen,

Investing In Staff Wellness: Kelso School District Receives Fourth Consecutive Zo8 Award (Photo) - 03/16/26

Kelso School District has once again been recognized for its commitment to employee health and wellbeing, earning the Zo8 Award from the Washington State Health Care Authority’s Washington Wellness initiative for the fourth consecutive year.

 

The Zo8 Award honors organizations that implement best practices aligned with the SmartHealth Workplace Wellness Roadmap, an eight-step framework designed to build strong, sustainable wellness programs that support employee wellbeing.

 

At Kelso School District, employee wellness is more than a program—it is a core part of the district’s commitment to supporting the people who serve students every day. The district’s strategic plan prioritizes staff wellbeing through a comprehensive approach that includes a robust Employee Assistance Program offering free, confidential counseling and resources, wellness training opportunities at school sites, and regular staff wellness surveys to better understand employee needs.

 

Central to these efforts is the district’s Wellness Committee, led by Human Resources Director Dr. Holly Budge and composed of staff members representing a wide range of roles across the district—including teachers, principals, counselors, administrators, and human resources personnel. The committee meets quarterly to review program results, identify emerging needs, and develop strategies to strengthen wellness supports for staff.

 

“When our staff feel supported and valued, it strengthens every classroom and every school,” said Dr. Budge. “This award celebrates the collective effort of our Wellness Committee and staff to build a culture of wellbeing across Kelso School District.”

 

Washington Wellness recognized Zo8 Award recipients during a celebration on February 24, where participating organizations received awards and certificates honoring the teams who lead their wellness efforts.

 

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.

Attached Media Files: KSD Wellness Committee members Holly Budge, Adrean Werly, Crystal Smith, and Gunnar Guttormsen,