South Lyon Community Schools honors dozens of retirees across the district
June 01, 2026 | South Lyon Community Schools, School Boards, Michigan
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Board members and administrators on Tuesday recognized a large cohort of retiring South Lyon Community Schools employees, celebrating decades of service across classrooms, custodial departments and the transportation fleet.
At the meeting Mr. Bate introduced the recognition segment and asked building administrators to present remarks for employees from their sites. "It is a special night," he said as the board called retirees to the microphone and administrators highlighted their long-term contributions.
Centennial Middle School administrators praised three retirees who have taught and supported students for a combined 108 years in the district. Lori Ketron was recognized for 27 years of service in the media center and for supporting the district's digital classroom environment. Leanne Lambert, a math teacher of 37 years, spoke to the crowd and thanked colleagues: "I have had over 5,000 students over 37 years. So, it's been an amazing journey and I just want to thank all of you," she said.
Presenters and colleagues across schools shared anecdotes about classroom leadership, mentoring of new teachers, long-term service in single classrooms and support roles such as building engineers and custodial managers. Transportation staff were honored for steady, behind-the-scenes service that keeps students safe: Mary Kay and others in the district's transportation department were acknowledged for decades of daily reliability and student care.
The recognition segment included short, personal remarks from many retirees who described the district as "home" and reflected on memorable classroom moments and the community formed with colleagues. The board paused afterward for photographs and refreshments.
The meeting moved on to routine agenda items after the recognition segment; administrators noted the retirements represent a significant loss of institutional knowledge but commended the district's culture and succession planning as part of ongoing staffing work.
The board will next meet for a formal approval session on June 16.
At the meeting Mr. Bate introduced the recognition segment and asked building administrators to present remarks for employees from their sites. "It is a special night," he said as the board called retirees to the microphone and administrators highlighted their long-term contributions.
Centennial Middle School administrators praised three retirees who have taught and supported students for a combined 108 years in the district. Lori Ketron was recognized for 27 years of service in the media center and for supporting the district's digital classroom environment. Leanne Lambert, a math teacher of 37 years, spoke to the crowd and thanked colleagues: "I have had over 5,000 students over 37 years. So, it's been an amazing journey and I just want to thank all of you," she said.
Presenters and colleagues across schools shared anecdotes about classroom leadership, mentoring of new teachers, long-term service in single classrooms and support roles such as building engineers and custodial managers. Transportation staff were honored for steady, behind-the-scenes service that keeps students safe: Mary Kay and others in the district's transportation department were acknowledged for decades of daily reliability and student care.
The recognition segment included short, personal remarks from many retirees who described the district as "home" and reflected on memorable classroom moments and the community formed with colleagues. The board paused afterward for photographs and refreshments.
The meeting moved on to routine agenda items after the recognition segment; administrators noted the retirements represent a significant loss of institutional knowledge but commended the district's culture and succession planning as part of ongoing staffing work.
The board will next meet for a formal approval session on June 16.
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