Novi Groundskeeper Selected School's Betty Champion Nominee

Jim Fuler was named the Novi Community School District’s 2014 Support Person of the Year, as well as the district’s nominee for the Oakland Schools’ Betty Champion Distinguished Support Person Award, recognition established in 1990 by the Oakland County Schools Foundation to recognize outstanding contributions to the learning community.

Fuler, who earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Michigan State University in 1991,  has been a skilled groundskeeper for Novi schools since 1996, The Observer & Eccentric reports.

“I have a great grounds department because of the knowledge, leadership and hard work of Jim Fular,” Director of Maintenance Mike Dragoo said. “On top of all of his professional accolades, Jim is loyal and trustworthy, a genuinely great person with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.”

His duties include overseeing 290 acres of land across nine campuses, two football fields, a soccer stadium, baseball and softball fields, and multiple tennis courts and playgrounds. He also works for the city of Novi under a government sharing agreement.

Dragoo said Fular is an example of a support service employee who leads by example and takes great pride in his work, evidenced by calls Dragoo said he receives inquiring about the professional landscaping company the  school district uses. The city of Novi also has received beautification awards based on Fular’s work.