The Warren County R-III School District has named its staff member and support staff member of the year for the 2025-26 school year.
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The Warren County R-III School District has named its staff member and support staff member of the year for the 2025-26 school year.
Lauren Brooks, a special education teacher at Warrior Ridge, has been named the Teacher of the Year.
Brooks, who has worked as an elementary education teacher, is in her third year of teaching in special education in the district.
“It is an honor to be named the Teacher of the Year for the Warren County R-III School District,” Brooks said. “As a lifelong resident of Warren County, I've been fortunate to grow and learn along with the families of our community. Warren County is a special place to call home, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach our future leaders each day.”
Cathi Gaffney, the Support Staff Member of the Year, is an administrative assistant at Daniel Boone Elementary.
She is in her 10th year in the district.
“I think it is an incredible honor to have been chosen by my coworkers at DBE and then to be chosen out of all the amazing people in the Warren County R3 district,” Gaffney said. “I am so lucky to have such a rewarding job working with and for the students, their families, and our Warren County R3 staff.”
R-III Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith said that Brooks, who was hired in the 2007-2008 school year as a teacher and is in her 19th year in the district, has a positive impact on each student with whom she works.
“Mrs. Brooks is an outstanding teacher,” Klinginsmith said. “Her calm approach allows her to reach every student. Mrs. Brooks can present information to students in such a way that every student fully understands the lesson. Mrs. Brooks genuinely cares for all her students, and that allows her to create long-lasting positive relationships. We are very thankful for all Mrs. Brooks does for the students at Warrior Ridge. She is absolutely wonderful.”
Gaffney was hired in the 2016-2017 school year as a paraprofessional.
“Mrs. Gaffney is one of the most caring and friendly people we have working in the school district,” Klinginsmith said. “Mrs. Gaffney brings joy to everyone she comes in contact with. She does a wonderful job supporting the children and staff at Daniel Boone Elementary. We are lucky to have her in our school district.”
