Selection of recipients shall require submission of an application as follows:

(1) Candidates nominated on forms provided by and returned to the superintendent of public instruction shall receive an application form from the superintendent of public instruction to be completed and returned if the candidate wishes to be considered for the award. The application shall be adapted to each category of award, — i.e., classified staff member, teacher, principal, or administrator, superintendent, and school board, — and shall require that the candidate provide evidence of leadership in, and contributions and commitment to educational excellence.

(2) Classified staff member applications shall include recommendations from a building administrator, teacher, and a student or parent/guardian.

(3) Teacher award applications shall include recommendations from a superintendent, a community member, and a student or parent/guardian.

(4) Principal or administrator award applications shall include recommendations from a member of the staff in his or her building, a superintendent, and a student or parent or guardian.

(5) Superintendent award applications shall include recommendations from a community representative, chair of the school board, and a member of the school district staff.

(6) School board award applications shall include recommendations from the local education association president, the superintendent, and a representative of a parent support group.