Kathie Cloe, administrative secretary at Bonnie Grimes Elementary School in Rogers, has been named the Rogers Public Schools Secretary of the Year for 2026. The award recognizes her exceptional commitment to supporting the school’s staff, students, and families throughout the school year.
Cloe joined Bonnie Grimes Elementary several years ago and quickly became a vital part of the school’s daily operations. She is known among teachers and parents for her steady presence and problem-solving skills, often the go-to person for everything from scheduling challenges to coordinating events. Her role requires juggling multiple responsibilities, and colleagues say she makes it look effortless.
In her nomination letter, Principal Lisa Miller praised Cloe’s “unwavering dedication and kindness” that creates an inviting atmosphere in the front office. “Kathie greets everyone with a warm smile and ensures all families feel welcome, even on stressful days,” Miller said. “She’s the backbone of our school’s communication and keeps our team organized through every twist and turn the year brings.”
The Secretary of the Year award is presented annually by Rogers Public Schools to highlight staff who play indispensable roles behind the scenes but whose contributions might otherwise go unnoticed. School secretaries handle a wide range of duties such as managing records, assisting with attendance, coordinating with teachers and district officials, and supporting families navigating school procedures.
Bonnie Grimes Elementary serves hundreds of students from various Rogers neighborhoods, and Cloe’s work has helped ensure smooth transitions during busy times like school enrollment, parent-teacher conferences, and testing seasons. Her colleagues point to her patience and attention to detail as key reasons Bonnie Grimes runs as efficiently as it does.
Rogers Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Smith said the district values every employee who helps students succeed, “and secretaries like Kathie Cloe make a huge impact every day. Their work creates the foundation so our schools can focus on learning and growth.”
In addition to daily administrative tasks, Cloe spends her own time assisting with community outreach events, helping families access resources, and supporting school-wide initiatives at Bonnie Grimes Elementary. Staff members say she never hesitates to go above and beyond for the community she serves.
This year’s recognition of Cloe follows a trend of elevating essential school staff roles that often fly under the radar but hold schools together. In Rogers, where rapid growth has brought new challenges to classrooms and offices alike, dependable and experienced secretaries contribute directly to students’ positive experiences on campus.
As the Rogers School District continues expanding with new schools and programs, officials say recognizing dedicated employees like Cloe encourages a stronger team spirit across the district. Bonnie Grimes Elementary is one of more than a dozen elementary schools contributing to the district’s goal of where “all belong, all learn, and all succeed.”
Cloe’s award reflects the kind of community-centered work happening throughout Rogers Public Schools, especially in school offices that are often the first point of contact for families. Parents and staff alike appreciate her smile in the mornings and the way she navigates even hectic days calmly and competently.
Congratulations to Kathie Cloe and the Bonnie Grimes Elementary family for this well-deserved recognition. Here’s hoping the coffee in the front office keeps flowing strong, because with secretaries like Cloe, Rogers schools run on more than just curriculum—they run on dedication and heart.
Source: Rogers School District
