It’s always bittersweet at this time of year when long-serving, much-appreciated educators step down after extended careers to begin their deserved retirements.
With 19 certified teachers or administrators, plus 20 support staff, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. will experience the loss of more than 1,000 years combined service to the Columbus-based district. That’s a big loss.
Among those stepping down whose service exceeds three decades are well-known leaders such as:
- Randy Gratz, Central Middle School principal, 39 years
- Libby Arthur, Columbus North High School social studies department chair, 37 years
- Vaughn Sylva, BCSC assistant superintendent for building services, 32 years
Two teachers exceeded four decades of service with their May 31 final days in the classroom:
- Candy Carr, Parkside Elementary School fourth-grade accelerated program teacher, 44 1/2 years
- Cheryl Hodapp, Richards Elementary School, third grade teacher, 42 years
These retirements, however, create opportunities for younger educators to make similar contributions over time as they step in for their departing comrades.
We congratulate all the retiring BCSC employees whose career choices have positively impacted tens of thousands of local young people.
