Kassie Ayers, an Exceptional Student Services paraprofessional at City Park School, was named Dalton Public Schools’ 2026 Classified Staff Member of the Year on Friday. / Brady HixSurrounded by family and Ford of Dalton dealer principal Jason Denson, Westwood Elementary School first-grade teacher JJ Anderson, center, was named DPS’ 2026 Teacher of the Year. Friday’s event included employees throughout the district celebrating as JJ Anderson, a first-grade teacher at Westwood Elementary School, was named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year. Outside of the classroom, Anderson serves as Dalton High School’s head softball coach while also working with the Whitfield County Miracle League. Those receiving a $300 award this year were Blue Ridge School’s Angie Edwards, Brookwood School’s Shea McFadden, City Park School’s Kimberly Jimenez, Dalton High School’s Cody Smith, Dalton Junior High School’s Selena Rios, Hammond Creek Middle School’s Yebel Garcia, Park Creek School’s Briana Cloud, Roan School’s Nadxelly Ramirez and The Dalton Academy’s Katie Sloan.