Salina Schools recognizes 27 employees retiring this year

Smiles, applause and the occasional tear marked an ode to some of Salina Public School's longest serving teachers and staff Sunday.

The district held a retirement ceremony for 27 different retiring staff, some of whom had served in the district for upwards of three decades.

Those retiring received a personalized gift, recognitions for their accomplishments in and beyond the district, and, of course, a resounding applause from those in attendance.

"Retiring colleagues, you have dedicated yourselves to some of the most worthwhile work in the world," said Linn Exline, USD 305 superintendent. "In fact, I would say the most worthwhile work. You've been challenging minds, generating new knowledge and preparing our students for their futures."

As a part of the event May 7, the district also honored this year's Master Teacher, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Secondary Teacher of the Year and presented certificates to 24 employees who have completed 25 years of service in the district.

More: Salina Public Schools honors its Teachers of the Year recipients

Educators, school staff leave a legacy at Salina Public Schools

On the front desk of the Schilling Elementary school office sits a Lego truck. It belongs to Dawn Brady, one of 27 USD 305 retirees this year. She's not quite sure how it happened, but her grandson has her hooked on Legos now.

"I love my job all the way around," Brady said. "It's been a hard decision to retire."

Brady said one of the best parts of her job as an administrative assistant at Schilling Elementary was seeing students grow. Her colleagues have become like a family, she said, and she has been fortunate to work with them.

After 22 years of service to SPS, Brady looks forward to more time with her father, two daughters and grandson. A trip to Hawaii that was canceled during the pandemic is rescheduled for September.

"I think God put me here for a reason; it's been an awesome journey," Brady said.

Kendra Neuschafer is another retiree this year. She taught for 32 years, with 15 of those in Salina. One of her favorite memories, she said, was when all third grade classes combined to put on a play called "The First Thanksgiving." Students memorized lines, prepared costumes and props, and practiced for weeks to perform for other classes.

"It was always a special treat for our kids," Neuschafer said.

Neuschafer said her time spent with staff at Meadowlark Elementary went on to develop lifelong friendships. And one of her favorite things about teaching is watching a student who was struggling with a skill finally achieve it.

"I would tell future teachers to take extra time to build relationships with their students," Neuschafer said. "When your students feel like you are truly interested in them, and respect them, I think they in turn will respect you and give their best effort for you."

Complete list of retiring certified staff for 2023

Julie Davis-Windler

Davis-Windler retires after 33 years at SPS, finishing her career as a special education teacher at Sunset Elementary.

Cynthia Harms

Harms retires after 25 years at SPS, finishing her career as a social worker for Central Kansas Cooperative in Education.

Margy Hogarty

Hogarty retires after 28 years at SPS, and 33 total years in education. She finishes her career as a first grade teacher at Meadowbrook Ridge Elementary. Hogarty was the 2007 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Patricia Keiswetter

Keiswetter retires after 24 years at SPS, finishing her career as a social worker at Central High School and Lakewood Middle School.

Kathleen Laflen

Laflen retires after 25 years at SPS, and a total of 34 years in education. She finishes her career as a school psychologist for Stewart and Sunset elementary schools.

Katherine Lindsay

Lindsay retires after 35 years at SPS, and a total of 38 years in education. She finishes her career as the theatre director for South High School. Lindsay was the 2009 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Kendra Neuschafer

Neuschafer retires after 15 years at SPS and a total of 32 years working in education. She finishes her career as a third grade teacher at Meadowlark Ridge Elementary School.

Brian Nowak

Nowak retires after 30 years at SPS, and a total of 31 years in education. He finishes his career as an industrial arts and technology teacher at Lakewood Middle School and has coached eighth grade football.

Alan Opat

Opat retires after 10 years at SPS and 30 years total in education. He finishes his career as a counselor at Sunset Elementary.

Janet Sauber

Sauber retires after 16 years with SPS, with 25 years total working in education. She finishes her career as a library media specialist at South Middle School.

Kim Shafer

Shafer retires after 13 years at SPS, with 42 years total working in education. She finishes her career as an early childhood special education teacher at Chapman Preschool.

Ken Stonebraker

Stonebraker retires after 30 years at SPS, with 34 years total working in education. He finishes his career as the athletic director at South High School.

Dorothea Thompson

Thompson retires after 12 years at SPS and 27 years total in education. She finishes her career as a speech language pathologist at CKCIE.

Complete list of retiring classified staff for 2023

Connie Bachofer

Bachofer retires after seven years at SPS, finishing her career as a paraeducator at Cottonwood Elementary.

Randy Booth

Booth retires after 17 years at SPS, finishing his career as a building operator for Cottonwood Elementary.

Dawn Brady

Brady retires after 22 years at SPS, finishing her career as an administrative assistant at Schilling Elementary.

Andra Bunch

Bunch retires after 22 years at SPS, finishing her career as a paraeducator for South High School.

Nancy Delay

Delay retires after 35 years at SPS, finishing her career as a paraeducator for Eisenhower Elementary School in the Abilene Public Schools District.

Brenda Ebel

Ebel retires after 31 years at SPS, finishing her career as an administrative assistant at Oakdale Elementary.

Patti Fiorillo

Fiorillo retires after 23 years at SPS, finishing her career as an executive assistant in the educational programs department at the district office.

Pamela Henoch

Henoch retires after 19 years at SPS, finishing her career as the athletics administrative assistant at South High School.

Richard James

James retires after 15 years at SPS, finishing his career as a school grounds worker at Central High School.

John Magee

Magee retires after 18 years at SPS, finishing his career as the facility manager at Hageman Education Center.

Katherine Nelson

Nelson retires after 26 years at SPS, finishing her career as a paraeducator at Meadowlark Elementary.

Linda Peckham

Peckham retires after 19 years at SPS, finishing her career as a paraeducator at South Middle School.

Sharon Smythe

Smythe retires after 29 years at SPS, finishing her career as a food service worker at South Middle School.

Melanie Stravropoulos

Stravropoulos retires after 25 years at SPS, finishing her career as a registrar at South High School.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter for the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering county government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Retiring USD 305 faculty, staff honored for contributions to district