Poland school board recognizes 18 retiring staff members

POLAND

There were some tears and quite a few smiles as district officials and school administrators recognized 18 retiring district staff members whose time served ranged from 42 to 11 years.

The principal of the school from which each person is retiring said a few words to recognize their efforts over the years, and the board presented each with a certificate.

“She’s done it all. ... Claire has dedicated her heart, her life and everything she knows to giving back to the kids,” Dobbins Elementary School Principal Michael Daley said of Claire Deemer, who retired from the school after 42 years in various positions with the district.

“She worked as hard on her last day as on her first day,” Poland Middle School Principal Mark Covell said of Diane Gesacion, who retired from a teaching position after 31 years.

“We are losing 368 years of experience, collectively,” Superintendent David Janofa said. “We thank you for every minute of the day you spent serving students.”