Passarge Honored with Regional, Statewide Service Awards

Chris Passarge, Chief Operations Officer at Lakota Local Schools, was awarded the 2022 Southwest Region Distinguished Service Award and the statewide 2022 Virginia Ramsey Service Award by the Ohio Association of School Business Officials’ (OASBO) Foundation for School Business Management at its 2022 Annual Conference & Expo in Columbus. 

“To be recognized in this way by OASBO is an honor,” said Passarge. “Lakota is one of the best school districts in the state and I am proud to work here. I am fortunate to have a top-notch team that is always looking for ways to better support our students and staff.”

Passarge was nominated by his colleague Jenni Logan, Treasurer/CFO at Lakota Local Schools. “No matter the topic, Chris is the steady reliable member I always count on. The man is unshakeable. His calm nature brings anxiety down during tense times and his problem-solving skills are logical, as well as forward-thinking. I have never worked with a better “team” player in my entire career.” 

Passarge has worked at Lakota since 2007. In his role as chief operations officer, Passarge oversees all aspects of the district’s facilities, including maintenance of its 23 school buildings, transportation and child nutrition, procurement, risk management and safety operations.

“Chris is a driving force in Lakota and I can’t think of anyone who deserves this recognition more,” said Superintendent Matt Miller. 

The Distinguished Service Awards Program is a series of awards recognizing one individual from each of OASBO’s five regions who has made a significant contribution to their profession. The award recipient’s district receives a $500 scholarship to grant to a senior in the district. One of the five winners of the Distinguished Service Awards is chosen as the winner of the Virginia Ramsey Service Award and their district receives an additional $1,000 scholarship for a district senior. 

“He will go above and beyond without question and never complains,” said Logan. “We need more people to emulate him, to follow his example, and lead with passion and enthusiasm. His service to our community, our school, and our profession are worthy of respect and deserves our recognition.”