2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. the public school system in this State is made more successful by the work of educational services professionals;
b. educational services professionals provide important services outside of the classroom environment that improve students' academic opportunities, workforce preparedness, and overall quality of life;
c. providing for local and Statewide recognition of outstanding educational services professionals will demonstrate our appreciation of their contributions and encourage others to strive for the same; and
d. the purpose of this act is to provide for Statewide awards and recognition of the excellence of current school district employees employed in a position requiring an educational services certificate.