I had to do the math: Park County School District 1 is saying goodbye to retiring teachers and staff with a combined 230 years in the district. 

That’s a staggering number, reflecting both a big loss for the district but also a sign of just how good of a district we’ve had here to make so many quality professionals want to stay so long. This is happening even as education has become an ever tougher and more scrutinized profession. 

It was bittersweet, as a number said, and I’ll admit it hit me personally as well. One of my youngest son’s Parkside Elementary School teachers is among those retiring, as is my oldest’s middle school history and English teachers, not to mention my neighbor, who my oldest hadn't yet had in high school as a coach or teacher. 

To all, I wish a wonderful, well deserved retirement. Thank you for putting so much of your time and energy into teaching the kids of this community. 

I need to give a special shout out to Parkside second grade teacher Jill Schmidt, my younger son’s first teacher in Powell after spending his first two years of school at Eastside Elementary School in Cody.

In some ways I’m a bit surprised she wasn’t burnt-out a few years ago, thanks to my energizer bunny of a second child, but as Principal Jason Hillman said, Schmidt is easy going and able to connect with her children. She certainly connected with mine, welcoming him into the Powell school system and into Parkside with open arms, working through his challenges and celebrating his success. 

I remember being so pleasantly surprised after attending the final parent teacher conference of the year and being told my child was excelling in many areas. Clearly he had adjusted to the move, and I give so much of that credit to Mrs. Schmidt. 

From what I’ve heard, it sounds like all of the longtime retiring staff have made their mark on many kids over the decades, and what a testament that they’ve chosen to do it here. 

It’ll certainly be a big adjustment at Southside Elementary School, which is not only saying a goodbye to a few of those longtime employees but to Principal Scott Schiller as well. I’ll always admire his excitement and the way he added a whole new level to events — see the back to school human tunnel entrance celebration. 

If there’s a bright side, besides these men and women earning a well deserved break, it’s that longtime Southside para Sue Staebler, known for being both the nicest person and a baker of cookies and cakes she’s always been happy to share, may have even more time to do so in retirement, meaning her son, a Tribune employee, may be bringing even more treats to the newsroom in the future. 

Again, thank you all so much for your service to this community and dedication to our students. You will be dearly missed.