Crystal Solis, Student & Family Liaison, Finalist for ESD 105 Award

Crystal Solis, Student and Family Liaison from Yakima K-8 Virtual School has been selected as a Top 3 Finalist for this year's ESD 105 Regional Classified Employee of the Year, a recognition that reflects her transformative approach to student and family support.
 

Crystal's nomination stems from her vital work in building community partnerships and her unwavering commitment to students facing significant challenges. Her approach to collaboration has positioned Yakima School District as a key partner in regional support networks.

Crystal discovered new ways to offer support after working with one student through the McKinney-Vento program. "When I first partnered with Javier Vela from our McKinney-Vento program, I realized how disconnected we were from the broader safety net students rely on," she said. "That experience sparked a new strategy."

She began working directly with local organizations like Rod's House, Catholic Charities, La Casa Hogar, Union Gospel Mission, and CPS. Through these partnerships, she joined a group of local professionals who share resources and work together to help families, strengthening Yakima School District’s bonds with the wider community.

Crystal remembers working with an 8th-grade student who came to the virtual school after losing her housing. The student was homeless, pregnant, and needed special services. Solis personally brought her a laptop, charger, and internet hotspot so she could keep up with school. When the student couldn't get a ride to her doctor's appointment, Solis and the school nurse took her themselves.

Reflecting on these transformational moments, Crystal said, "before this, I thought my role would be mostly about attendance and outreach. But this experience showed me it's really about standing by a student no matter what. For me, the job is about making sure every student knows they matter, especially when life gets hard."

Crystal is one of two Yakima School District educators recognized as finalists this year. Her work shows how school staff can make a real difference in students' lives by building community partnerships and never giving up on those who need help. Please join us in congratulating Crystal on this well-deserved recognition!

This story aligns with Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan: all students will develop habits and behaviors that elevate student voice, resilience, and personal ownership in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. To learn more about our strategic plan, visit ysd7.org/strategicplan.