QUILCENE — A librarian whose principal “holds on the same level as a master teacher” at the 300-student Quilcene School District is one of eight regional finalists for a statewide award.

Kelly Ingalls was selected the regional Classified Employee of the Year out of employees in 15 school districts in Jefferson, Clallam, Kitsap and Mason counties — which comprise Educational Service District 114.

On Wednesday, she will be in Olympia as one of the finalists for the state 2010 Classified School Employee of the Year award.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn will announce the winner at a ceremony at 2 p.m. in which all the regional finalists will be honored.

“We’re excited to have her selected as ESD 114’s classified employee of the year,” said Principal Jim Betteley, who will attend the ceremony with four Quilcene School District teachers.

“In my 14 years as an educator, I have not been witness to anyone more professional, self-driven, or one who exhibits the leadership qualities such as those Kelly exudes,” said Betteley in his nomination letter.

“It is hard to comprehend that Kelly is not a certificated teacher.”

Betteley, who has known Ingalls for five years, said that the district’s librarian also is “an instructional leader” who has written two successful grants and introduced the district to useful learning programs.

“I rely heavily upon her and hold her on the same level as a master teacher,” he said.

“She is a primary reason we are successful as a small district.”

“As a result of her shared vision and leadership, the district has been recognized as a premier school.”

Other finalists are:

• Brian Liberg, West Valley School District, ESD 101.

• Joy Kaasa, Wahluke School District, ESD 105.

• Stephanie Ongtooguk, Vancouver Public Schools, ESD 112.

• Deborah Harbord, Olympia School District, ESD 113.

• Lori Sanford, Auburn School District, ESD 121.

• Timmie Linehan, Lake Chelan School District, ESD 171.

• Audie Kingma, Lynden School District, ESD 189.