Underberg retires in 40th year

Not many school board meetings feature a standing ovation for a staff member, but that’s exactly what occurred after the board recognized Anita Underberg for four decades of service to Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools on Monday, Sept. 22.

Underberg, the administrative assistant to the superintendent and board of education, retired after her final workday on Tuesday, Sept. 23. She was in her 40th year with the district, the last 35 of which were in the superintendent’s office. (The second photo included with this article shows Underberg on her first day in the superintendent's office.) 

“You hear all the time, ‘There will never be another…’ said Board Chair Bob Sansevere after Underberg’s last meeting. “But there will never be another Anita. Whatever the highest praise is, I’d like to go a step above that.”

Last month Sansevere humorously suggested that the board deny approval of a list of personnel changes when he saw that it included Underberg’s retirement date.

“Up to the final minute of this meeting I kept hoping she would say, ‘You know, I changed my mind,’” Sansevere said after the Sept. 22 meeting. “It’s a loss. The district will feel that void.” 

During the meeting Superintendent Scott Thielman read a letter of recommendation he had written for Underberg last year when she won the statewide Administrative/Executive Assistant of the Year Award from her professional organization. When he finished his remarks, board members, staff and the audience gave Underberg a standing ovation. Board members also left their places to file past Underberg’s desk, thank her for her service, and wish her well.

“I love this district. I support this district. I’m proud of this district, and always will be,” Underberg told the board. “I look forward to hearing about you in the Insider (the district newsletter).”

Underberg also thanked board members for choosing to serve, for voluntarily taking on the challenges associated with education, and for working through issues large and small on behalf of students and staff members.

“It’s been an honor, and I’m glad to have served with you,” she said. “Thank you so much.”

Career highlights
After graduating from Buffalo High School in 1974, Underberg worked as a secretary at IDS Life Insurance in the IDS Tower in Minneapolis for four years before returning to Buffalo and raising two daughters with her husband, Kevin. She joined the district in 1986 through a summer job share position, then became the secretary to the director of community education. 

In 1991 she shifted offices and became the administrative assistant to the superintendent and board of education. Since then she has served four superintendents, including three whom she helped bring aboard as a member of the hiring committee.

“All of those who were selected have been remarkable,” she said. “The position I have is so fulfilling. I was able to work with teachers as they were hired for our district. I loved the variety of tasks that are included in this job – from issuing contracts to hearing about curriculum changes to compiling the school board meeting agenda and background information, to running the school district elections, and so much more.”

That sense of fulfillment kept Underberg coming back year after year, and the late-summer preparation for each new academic season was one of her favorite parts of the educational cycle. Another highlight was the retirement luncheon that Underberg organized for departing staff members each spring.

“I loved working with all the various staff in our district. Helping teachers navigate their first year of teaching was exciting, as well as managing all the different contracts for the various employee groups,” Underberg said. “I created spreadsheets and worked with budgets and contracts. Being able to assist the superintendent and school board members through various discussions and projects was rewarding. I also enjoyed making the retirement luncheon arrangements to recognize our great staff members and hearing their stories. Everyone has such an important role.”

While Underberg leaves behind strong relationships at the individual level, her legacy also takes a physical form.

“When the school district would decide to hold a special election to construct a new school, it was all-consuming,” she said. “I enjoy walking into Northwinds Elementary and Buffalo High School and remembering the work that took place to pass those elections.”

More than logistics
Beyond the myriad logistical demands of the role, which Underberg handled with aplomb, Thielman said he came to value her judgment and insight in various scenarios.

“Anita provides critical assistance in decision-making, communication and administrative tasks,” he said shortly before her retirement. “Over the years the district has dealt with numerous urgent matters, including reacting to crisis situations, weather-related issues, and decisions regarding safety protocols. Anita’s ability to skillfully navigate and provide support during those situations, as well as her reliability and competence, has earned her my trust and respect, along with the high regard of our staff, leadership team and school board.”

Challenges and changes
Work any job long enough, and there will be significant challenges in addition to the highlights. Underberg said the COVID time period was perhaps the worst, though budget-cutting years were also difficult. 

“Education is not easy today,” said Underberg. “There are so many requirements from the state, funding is always short and [there are] so many views of how we should be educating students. Then add all the issues students deal with personally, and what they may need emotionally to be successful – it is all very challenging.”

But rising to that challenge was an aspect of the job that Underberg embraced.

“Every day could present something new to learn and experience,” she said.

Over the years, those new things added up to significant advancements in the technological tools at her disposal and the capabilities they offered.

“I started with the CPT and floppy disks,” she said. “I used a typewriter with carbon sets and white-out. I used a dictaphone to transcribe school board meeting minutes.” 

Since then, new technology has helped with counting ballots during elections, compiling budget reports and communicating with large groups of people simultaneously.

“All these tools that help us in our work are incredible,” she said.

Retirement plans
Though she wouldn’t have minded working a few more years, Underberg said she hopes to travel – specifically to Germany, Norway and Italy – as well as to destinations around the United States in the coming years. She also intends to stay involved with the Miss Buffalo ambassador program, is considering helping at a hospice site, and will have many opportunities to enjoy her grandchildren’s sports and activities.

One thing is certain: “She will be missed. There’s no other way to put it,” said Sansevere. 

But the memories remain, as does the district’s mission to go on providing a strong education and the unique experiences that shape generations to come. Underberg kept the focus on that by sharing photos of her grandchildren with board members during her last meeting, even as she bid those members goodbye.

“I am so grateful to have worked for this school district,” said Underberg. “I know that what we do here every single day matters to every single student. I am fortunate to have worked with amazing, talented and dedicated staff who are here because what we do is important. These students are our future!”