Spletzer Receives Highest State Service Award

Janet Spletzer holds her Order of the Longleaf Pine certificate at the school board meeting on Dec. 3, 2020.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

A longtime BCS staff member has received the highest award for state service in recognition of her tireless student advocacy.

Janet Spletzer, who retired from Buncombe County Schools in June after more than 40 years as an occupational therapist, received the Order of the Longleaf Pine award during the Dec. 3 school board meeting. Over her career, Ms. Spletzer helped students of all ages with a variety of strengths and needs across every district in Buncombe County Schools. She also served as the lead occupational therapist for BCS and worked with the Assistive Technology Team.

“Janet exemplifies what it means to be an educator; a leader; a team player; and a student-centered, holistic occupational therapist,” said Bridgette LeCompte, consultant for occupational therapy with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and former BCS occupational therapist. “If you know Janet, you know that she is incredibly dedicated, hardworking, and passionate.”

Occupational therapists (OTs) like Ms. Spletzer work with students who have motor or sensory challenges that affect their ability to access their education. OTs provide activities, strategies, and technological help to teachers and other staff to meet student needs.

“A lot of times it’s the difference between whether a child can participate in the classroom or not,” said BCS Occupational Therapist Martha Simmons, who nominated Ms. Spletzer for the award. “They need extra expertise to make sure they can access their education and demonstrate their knowledge. With their expertise, OTs can recognize when children are struggling because of sensory problems. They can find the right assistive technology and the right methods to address those needs.”

Ms. Spletzer represents the best qualities of an occupational therapist, Ms. Simmons said. She is a wealth of knowledge about the law, technology, and child development who has always been keen to collaborate and share strategies with other OTs.

“She served thousands of students over her career,” Ms. Simmons said. “That’s big, to impact that many lives.”

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