Lake Stevens School District honors 31 retiring employees at special May 22 meeting

The Lake Stevens School District Board of Directors held a special meeting May 22, 2024, to recognize 31 employees retiring from the district after the 2023–24 school year. President Taylor opened the session at 5:00 p.m. at the Educational Service Center and described the gathering as a celebration of the retirees’ contributions.

Assistant Superintendent John Balmer, invited by Superintendent Ken D. Collins to speak, told attendees that the retiring employees had "collectively dedicated 700 years to the district, students and community," and he thanked them for their years of service. Administrators announced they would take a few minutes to recognize the retirees present and to present each with a small token of appreciation.

The district read a roster of retirees that included teachers, support staff and administrators. The transcript lists the following retirees: Bill Anderst; Sam Busby; Derise ChavezHansen; Ken Collins; Nancy Collins; Shari Dominick; Mary Jo Elder; Tammy Enders; Renee Foudray; Barbara Frederick; Retta Grewelle; Kimberly Hanegan; Carrie Larson; Todd Martina; Karen Morton; Jeanie Murray; Sharon O^rien; Barbara Ossowski; Michelle Puha; Cathy Richards; Larry Ruble; Rachael Schwartzmiller; Debbie Stalder; Patty Studdard; Rick Tanner; Kathy Theisen; Kathryn Van Klaveren; Sharon Ward; Jim Weissert; Lew Widmann; and Trayce Zander. District staff invited the retirees and their families to a reception following the presentations.

President Taylor said the retirees had "touched so many children's lives," expressed gratitude for their service and wished them well as they begin "their new journey." The board adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

The recognition did not include any formal votes or policy actions; it was recorded as a special meeting devoted to retiree acknowledgments and a short ceremony.