Each spring some staff members make a life changing decision - they decide to retire from the work force. The decision is difficult for many, no matter the position they have held in the district. For some, it is the only job they have had their entire career. When the motivation has been service to others to ensure children have the best learning opportunity available to them, it is not always easy to walk away. For school districts, employee retirement has two sides, a practical side and an emotional side. First, some comments from the practical side of the equation.

The number of employees leaving the work force fluctuates each year. And as the work force ages, our retirement numbers grow. The district has in the past and will be completing again, an actuary study to ensure a solid fiscal plan is in place regarding employee retirement. In addition to age, the decision to retire is often determined by the economic environment. This along with other factors can cloud the accuracy of predicting retirement numbers any given year.

Retirement has more than an economic impact on the district. New employees are needed to replace people departing. While the new work force is often less expensive regarding compensation, they are generally in need of specific training in order to maximize their potential to succeed. Attracting new employees has also been more difficult. Like most business owners, the public schools are experiencing low applicant numbers. With a few exceptions in certain teaching fields, the large reservoir of potential teachers, administrators, and support staff of ten to twenty years ago simply does not exist today.

On the emotional side of the equation, I often tell retiring employees their decision is bittersweet for me. It is bitter because the retirees will not grace our presence on a daily basis and sweet because I am happy for the retirees as they move into the next leg of their life journey. There will be receptions and programs over the coming weeks acknowledging those retiring. While the years of service these employees have provided to the district are important, for me what is most important is the positive contributions they have made to the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools, communities, and children. This is what tugs at my heart strings. These people have made a difference and will be missed.

Congratulations and best wishes to the 2008 retirees.
Joan Bauernschmitt-34 Years
Buffalo Community Middle School
Food Service Manager

Jean Bryant-35 Years
Buffalo High School
Food Service Manager

Barb Carter-35 Years
Tatanka Elementary
1st Grade Teacher

Jackie Engelhardt-35 Years
Hanover Elementary (.5 shared position)
4th Grade Teacher

LeRoy Erickson-40 Years
Buffalo High School
Social Studies Teacher

Mary Johnson-31 Years
Montrose Elementary
5th Grade Teacher

Lee Kjesbo-21 Years
Buffalo High School
Instructional Music

Norma Olmscheid-37 Years
Northwinds Elementary
1st Grade Teacher

Linda Opsahl-37 Years
Tatanka Elementary
2nd Grade Teacher

Betty Payne-36 Years
Northwinds Elementary
3rd Grade Teacher

Dale Rohwer-34 Years
Buffalo High School
S.L.D. Special Education Teacher

Tim Schneeweis-26 Years
District-wide
School Psychologist

Rick Toso-30 Years
Buffalo High School
Principal

Mark Vossen-33 Years
Hanover Elementary
4th Grade Teacher