1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Classified school employees provide valuable service to public schools in the United States. (2) Classified school employees provide essential services, such as transportation, facilities maintenance and operations, food service, safety, and health care. (3) Classified school employees play a vital role in providing for the welfare and safety of students. (4) Classified school employees strive for excellence in all areas of service to the education community. (5) Exemplary classified school employees should be recognized for their outstanding contributions to quality education in the United States. 3. Definition of classified school employee In this Act: (1) Classified school employee The term classified school employee means a public employee of a State or of any political subdivision of a State, who works in any grade from prekindergarten through higher education in any of the following occupational specialties: (A) Paraeducator services. (B) Clerical and administrative services. (C) Transportation services. (D) Food and nutrition services. (E) Custodial and maintenance services. (F) Security services. (G) Health and student services. (H) Technical services. (I) Skilled trades. (2) Other definitions The terms used in this Act have the meaning given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). 4. Recognition program established (a) In general The Secretary of Education shall establish a national recognition program to be known as the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award Program or the award program . The purpose of the award program shall be to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees in public schools who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education. (b) Award Prior to March 31 of each year (beginning with the