Retiring employees of Rockbridge County Public Schools were recognized at the School Board’s June 11 meeting.
“It’s a bittersweet time of year when we get to celebrate those that have given so much to the students of Rockbridge County,” said Superintendent Phillip Thompson.
“We’d like to honor, all together, our retirees this year, representing over 240 years of service to the students of Rockbridge County,” he said.
Several those who retired were from the transportation department. These included Larry Garrett and Elise Johnson, who worked as bus drivers, Garrett for 17 years and Johnson for 23 ½ years.
Donna Powell retired from her role as a bus driver after 35 years with the division, as did James Hickman.
Jane Schwartz retired from Fairfield Elementary School, after working 36 years as a bookkeeper.
Also leaving Fairfield is reading specialist Laurie Brooks, following 18 years of service.
Amy Sholes retired from Central Elementary, where she had worked as a teacher for three years.
Two teachers retired from Rockbridge County High School, Karen Clemmer, after 10 years, and Jennifer Balkey, after four.
The high school also said goodbye to Deborah Wright, certified nursing assistant instructor, after 26 ½ years with the division, and Assistant Principal Scott Fleshman, after 31 years.
Tamara Cummins, school psychologist, retired from the division’s central office following 20 years of service.
“Thank you for your dedication and service, and congratulations to the retiring class of 2024,” said Thompson.