R-1 honors 28 retiring employees

Retirement means it’s only time for a new adventure and 28 Poplar Bluff R-1 School employees were honored before leaving the district.

Retirees gathered for a reception Thursday afternoon to visit with colleagues, family and friends before setting off on their new adventure.

Among those honored included Senior High Assistant Principal Sheldon Tyler, Middle School fifth grade teacher Phillip Murray and Assistant Superintendent of Business Rod Priest.

After 21 years in administration, Tyler said great things are happening at Poplar Bluff R-1.

He also appreciates seeing students come back to their alma mater to teach and give back to their community.

“To all my longtime teachers and friends, I appreciate them for allowing me in their lives,” he said.

Upon retirement, Tyler said the biggest adjustment will be trying to adapt to having something eventful to do every weekday.

Staying busy should not be a problem as Tyler plans to move to Branson to spend time and help with grandchildren.

“I will maintain a connection with the community though God’s House,” Tyler said.

PBHS Principal Mike Owen said Tyler had been around Poplar Bluff longer than most.

“His most important strength is the relationships he builds,” Owen said. “The relationships he has with the community and teachers has really helped us get through some difficult times.”

PBHS Assistant Principal Tammy Deken echoed Owen by adding Tyler has comforted parents, teachers and students when burying their loved ones and friends in addition to celebrating with thousands of students crossing the stage to graduate.

“We have laughed until we cried and laughed to keep from crying,” she said. “Poplar Bluff will be lost without the Tylers.”

In addition to teaching in the classroom for 30 years, Murray has been involved in National Education Association (NEA) leadership for 19 years.

Upon retirement, he will serve as full time president in Jefferson City representing 35,000 NEA members throughout the state.

Murray stressed how important is was to have an understanding as to what is going on in Jefferson City and Washington and how decisions could have an impact on districts locally.

“We also have to be in tune with teachers in the district and partner with administration to make the district as good as it can be for the kids,” he said.

Murray began his teaching career at Sacred Heart before joining Williamson-Kennedy School until it closed. He then went to O’Neal before becoming a staple at the Middle School in fifth and sixth grade roles.

“Do everything you can to continue learning and work hard building the best possible personal relationships with students,” he said. “They need that more than you can possibly imagine.”

Priest has served 26 years in public education and nine years in the Poplar Bluff School District.

He returned to his hometown in 2010 to become Assistant Superintendent of Business after serving as an elementary educator, principal and superintendent of smaller educational institutions in Southeast Missouri.

“He has contributed to many aspects throughout the district working with our administration to accomplish the goals and needs of our district and students,” Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Amy Jackson said.

Throughout his time with the district, Preist has been tasked with multiyear plans by playing a key role in major projects including the renovations of the fifth and sixth grade center and Middle School and the Early Childhood Center construction, Jackson added.

“He is a go-getter and positive person who is committed to providing the best education for all students year after year,” she said.

While not in the classroom each day, Jackson said Preist is a teacher at heart and continues to teach his colleagues.

“It’s all about the kids and once I get out and start slowing down I will miss seeing the kids grow and making an impact on their lives,” Priest said.

He also encouraged his fellow Poplar Bluff R-1 staff to keep the focus on what they are there for, the students.

When discussions and decisions drift from the students, Priest reminded staff to reflect on how anything they do and discuss will impact the children’s lives.

Also retiring in 2019 are Kenneth Durham, Elizabeth Fox-Godwin and Dale Richie from PBHS; Timothy Gaebler from TCC; Donna Barton, Treena Murray, Connie Warren, and Cheryl Williams from Middle School; Kathleen Dare, Karen Hogg, Krista Sells and Deanna Ziomek from O’Neal Elementary; Paula Bradley and Sharron King from Lake Road Elementary; Sue Ann Barriner, Anita Birdsong, Rebecca Burgin, Pamela Dunivan, Deborah Harper and Deborah Woodsmall from Kindergarten Center; Cynthia Gaebler from Special Services; Frederick (Dennis) Cochran from Maintenance; and, Shirley Hughey and Ronald Whittenburg from Transportation.

Also honored from the Junior High was nurse Lee Ann Stith, who died in August and had been with the district 17 years.

“Each retiree here has made a tremendous impact as an educator in many capacities regardless of what your position is,” Jackson told the group. “You may not realize the impact you have on students, but you make an impact on them on a regular basis.”