Senior Buyer Named Employee of the Month

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) recognizes educators, employees and volunteers each month from September to June during the school year. Awards are presented at Board of Education meetings and Patch is pleased to announce the honorees.

The January "Employee of the Month" is Gail Matthews, a senior buyer in the Purchasing Department. According to the AACPS website, the Employee of the Month is chosen by a committee made up of members of the Anne Arundel County Retired School Personnel Association (AARSPA).

Here is the text of the speech presented at the Jan. 9 meeting in honor of Matthews:

Today we honor an employee in our school system who “polishes the apple” each and every day right here at Central Office.  And she does this in her dealings with internal and external customers, always being pleasant, helpful and demonstrating a strong work ethic.  Gail Matthews, Senior Buyer in the Purchasing Department has a professional attitude that is exemplary.  She has a keen sense for business objectives and determination to accomplish the school district’s goals. 

Gail is a strong role model for employees within the organization in her responsibility for the purchase of textbooks, materials of instruction and supplemental items.  Every transaction, no matter how large or small, receives the same attention to detail to deliver the best price, product, and delivery to the requestor.  Any dollar saved is another dollar that can go toward other instructional materials.  In her training capacity, Gail is responsible for going out to schools to deliver one-on-one purchasing training.  She has proven to be a tremendous help to school based staff who are responsible for purchasing, once again, “polishing the apple!”

Gail also handles the purchasing function for the Single Textbook Adoption Program, which annually is a $10 - $13 million dollar program.  Once the curriculum adoptions have been approved, Gail negotiates the financial offer and executes all the contracts, totaling over 600.  She works within strict timelines to accomplish this task and ensures that contracts are in place to meet the ordering demands of the district.  Gail maintains high standards for herself and her publishers.

Ms. Matthews is also principally responsible for oversight of the operational activities for the purchasing software used to electronically communicate purchasing activities from the user entry point to the accounting payment point.  This includes project management for upgrades and internal training requirements.  Her attention to detail, expertise and loyalty to the district results in flawless execution of this work.

Gail Matthews will do whatever it takes to meet her professional goals with a refreshing attitude and conviction.  Under her leadership the Purchasing Office’s supporting role to ensure schools have what they need, at the best price, and when they need it, is accomplished.

Gail Matthews – your integrity is undeniable and your work ethic is exceptional.  You can always be caught in the act of doing the right thing for a fellow employee, the schools and the district as a whole. Therefore, on behalf of the Board of Education, I thank you for all you do in “polishing the apple,” and I congratulate you for being selected Employee of the Month for January 2013!

Click here to nominate a deserving AACPS educator, employee or volunteer.

Do you know Gail Matthews? Tell us in the comments.