Buhler USD 313 Holds Staff Recognition Ceremony

BUHLER, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 held a staff recognition ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 7. Awards announced included the Friend of Education Award, Rise Award, Years of Service and Retiree Recognition.

(Information from Cindy Couchman, USD 313 Superintendent of Schools)

The Friend of Education Award was established in 2021 to recognize a person or an organization that has made outstanding contributions of local impact on public education, students and/or teachers in the district or one of the buildings in USD #313.

Previous recipients of the Friend of Education Award:

2021 Cliff Wray
2022 Marilyn Bolton
2024 Mike Bryan

Recipients receive their own plaque and their name is on the large plaque that hangs in the BAC. The Buhler Education Foundation will donate $250 in their name to any Buhler program or event.

2025 Friend of Education recipient: John Webb

John Webb has been working with school benefits and investment wealth for 33 years. Many may recognize John as he spearheads school benefits and with his team at Pathway Financial which assists staff in signing up for benefits. He started working with Buhler Schools in 1999 which means we have been working together for 26 years.

John was instrumental in revising the USD 313 early retirement program and helped Buhler Schools establish the matching 403b benefit. He met with the negotiations team and educated staff on the financial benefit the first few years it was established. Recently, John has presented new Buhler staff on the topic of investing, retirement, wills, and financial planning. His passion is not selling a product but educating people on how to prepare for their future.

John has not only given his time to the staff but since 2014 has also sponsored their convocation which allows staff to have a nice breakfast, bring in a photobooth, have featured speakers, or hand out welcome back gifts. In total, John has donated close to $10,000 to Buhler schools.

The Rise Award was established in 2024 to honor school employees whose work goes far beyond their job descriptions. This award shines a spotlight on individuals who consistently deliver exemplary service, foster innovation, and inspire excellence in everything they do — for students, staff, and the entire school community.

These individuals embody the heart of the Buhler School district and the values it holds most dear:

Better Together
Commitment to Excellence
Champion for All Kids
Director of Hope

Each RISE Award recipient receives a $250 check from the BEF and a commemorative plaque as a small token of appreciation for their big impact.

Last year, Taden Reed and Mary Withuhn were honored as the inaugural recipients.

2025 RISE Award Recipients:

Tammy Heidel

Heidel is the quiet force who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re a new hire walking in with questions, a principal needing guidance, or a teacher submitting leave-she meets every need with patience, grace, and a calm professionalism that never wavers.”

Heidel handles the kind of details most people never see but every one of us depends on: leave, contracts, handbooks, and confidential files. She is trustworthy, honest, and deeply kind—a true pillar of integrity in the district.

She has two daughters and six granddaughters (three of which are in Buhler Schools) along with a spouse who works for the district.

Heidel served as a secretary for 23 years before beginning her journey with Buhler in 2006 as the secretary at Buhler Grade School and later transitioned to the central office, where she now serves as our Human Resources Clerk.

Chris Wolf

Wolf has a legacy with Buhler Schools that runs deep-so deep, it spans generations.

She began her journey with us in 1978. Over the years, her own family has grown right alongside our district. Both of her children work for Buhler Schools, making education and service not just a career path, but a family tradition. She is also a proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five spirited boys.

But beyond her years of service, what truly sets her apart is the heart she brings to everything she does.

Her commitment to Buhler’s students-particularly those with special needs-has been unwavering for nearly five decades. Every morning and afternoon, she provides more than just transportation. She provides consistency, compassion, and care. Her bus is a place where every child feels seen, valued, and loved.

And on Fridays? That care takes the shape of homemade treats. Not just for the students she transports, but for their siblings too-because in her words, “that wouldn’t be fair.”

She’s not just a driver. She’s part of the family for countless students and parents who have trusted her with their most precious cargo for the past 47 years.

As she begins her 47th year behind the wheel with 13 of those years at Buhler, her legacy continues to grow-and so does our gratitude.