Oley Valley honors eight retirees for decades of district service

At its May 6 committee meeting the Oley Valley School District board read resolutions honoring eight retirees whose combined public‑education service the administration summarized as roughly 238 years.

Administrators highlighted each retiree’s contributions: William K. Wise for decades teaching fourth through sixth grade and coaching; Elizabeth P. Cummings for kindergarten–second grade instruction; Dawn L. Roman for gifted education and Odyssey of the Mind teams; Christine M. Cooper for English language arts and student programs; Marybeth A. Hawkins for middle/high school math and mentorship roles; Diane B. Robinson for 22 years as a librarian and Reading Olympics advisor; Steven M. Boyer for middle school science, high school biology and long‑standing coaching; and Scott S. Rohrer for seven years at Oley Valley and a 35‑plus year career as a middle‑school principal.

Dr. Brodsky, speaking about William Wise, said board and community members frequently heard students say his classroom "always had smiles on their faces," and praised his mentorship and coaching. Several retirees offered brief remarks thanking colleagues and the community; one retiree said, "Teaching has been more than a job to me. It's been an incredible journey."

The board presented resolutions and small gifts and invited colleagues to offer brief personal tributes. The meeting paused for a short recess following the recognition period before turning to budget and committee business.