CHANNAHON — Channahon School District 17's Board of Education honored several staff and teachers who are retiring this month by recognizing them at last week's board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Karin Evans said the retirees, who were given red rose corsages during the ceremony in Pioneer Path gymnasium, totaled 341 years of service among them.
"Thank you so very much for all your years of service," Evans said. "It's bittersweet. We have enjoyed very much having you here ... It's hard saying goodbye. Together you have a lot of years doing wonderful things for the children of Channahon."
Physical Education teacher Kathy Tanton remarked that she's been in the school district longer than the 34 years she's taught there. She also attended school there.
Retirees attending the recognition were Deb Larson, Pam Sterle, Kathy Tanton, Nancy Wakefield and Bridget Ziesmer. Other retirees include Kathy Crego, Diane Eilers, Elizabeth Welsch, Jane Benegas, Leslie Mohlke, Deni Stapay and Lori Dailey.
The school board also made several personnel changes at the meeting, including hiring the following: Anthony Davis and Kelly Bargo as night custodians; Danielle Santor as social worker, Angela Colyott as third-grade teacher, Hope Lombardo as third-grade teacher and Jamie Erickson as homebound tutor.
Fourth-grade teacher Sarah Meckler was transferred to second grade,and third-grade teacher Deb Matichak was transferred to fourth grade.
Resignations were accepted from social worker Michelle Bellair, teacher aide Dawn McMillin, Amy Delgado as Beta Club sponsor and Katherine Tonelli as student council adviser.
Kathy Rowe was approved for family medical leave from April 30, 2012 to about July 19, 2012, and for Jenny Matuszewski from around Sept. 28 to Nov. 26.
Two agenda items relating to personnel were tabled at the meeting – one for a contract for the director of finance and transportation and the other for the planned raises for the school administrators.
Board members were also reminded that the district is in the fourth year of its six-year computer replacement plan. In the upcoming school year, the district will replace 69 desktop computers, all of which have been in service six years or longer. Most are in the computer labs at Three Rivers School and Channahon Junior High School.
The board also recognized and congratulated the district's track team members who participated in state competition. The meet was May 19.
Placing were Larry Roberts, Danny Devine, Joe Butler, Matt Dlugopolski and Nick Stallion, taking 5th in the 4-X-200 relay; Dan Devine, Josh Garcia, Harry McSteen, Larry Roberts, and Nick Stallion, taking 6th in the 4-X-400 relay; Matt Dlugopolski, taking 7th in the 200 meter run; Joe Butler, taking 4th in the high jump; Dan Anfield, taking 10th in the 1600 meter run; and Emily Lindmark, taking 9th in discus.
The Channahon School District 17 will hold its next board meeting, always open to the public, on Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at Pioneer Path School. The district will not hold a July board meeting.