Today, Friday, September 26, we recognize National HR Professionals Day by celebrating the team in our Office of Talent and Employee Engagement (OTEE).
Human resources is often thought of in terms of paperwork, policies, and processes. But here at the School District of Lancaster, our OTEE team shows us every day that HR is about people first. Their work touches every corner of the district, helping prospective employees see themselves in SDoL, supporting new hires through their first days, answering questions about benefits, guiding staff through professional growth opportunities, and being a reliable resource when challenges arise.
What makes OTEE exceptional is not just their expertise but the spirit with which they do their work. They have worked intentionally to build an office culture that is approachable, welcoming, and supportive. Staff know they can pick up the phone, stop by the office, or send an email and be met with not only answers but care. In moments of celebration like a new hire’s first day or in moments of difficulty, OTEE ensures every interaction reflects respect, professionalism, and humanity.
Their responsibilities are broad and often complex, recruiting and onboarding talent across our schools, managing employee relations, supporting wellness and benefits, and helping all of us navigate the systems that keep the district running smoothly. Yet they carry out this work with a focus on relationships, knowing that each conversation is an opportunity to strengthen trust and connection across the district.
On National HR Professionals Day we pause to recognize that the success of our schools depends on the people inside them and the OTEE team is key to making sure those people feel supported and valued.
To our colleagues in OTEE, thank you for your service and the countless ways you make SDoL a better place to work and learn. We see you, we appreciate you, and today we celebrate you.
Happy National HR Professionals Day!
