LYNNFIELD — Twelve school department employees have announced their retirement.
The group, which includes five teachers, three school nurses, one aide, one technology coordinator, and a human resource manager, each logged between 15 and 34 years of service to the district.
School Committee Vice Chair Stacy Dahlstedt estimated the group had “several hundred” combined years of service.
“My family had the good fortune and pleasure to have actually built relationships with some of tonight’s retirees, and I can say with certainty that these teachers and staff members have made a difference in my son’s life and his educational experience,” Dahlstedt said.
“I am also certain that all of the retirees here tonight have impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of students and families in a very meaningful and positive way, so I want to thank all of you for your countless years of service.”
The retirees were honored for their dedication and service at the June 7 committee meeting. Each retiree was presented with a set of glasses adorned with the town seal, which had been etched by Lynnfield’s Essex Tech students.
Summer Street School Fourth Grade Teacher Michelle Burpee-Robert caps a 36-year teaching career. She began teaching in Lynnfield in 1988. A Lynnfield resident, her children attended Summer Street School.
Human Resource Manager Linda Call has been with the district for 18 years, managing payroll and benefits for every district employee. She also spent the last six years coordinating substitution reachers and tracking staff absences.
“She was responsible to assign substitutes every day before 6 a.m.,” School Superintendent Kristen Vogel said. “She’s always handled (all duties) with grace and a strong sense of professionalism.”
Kathleen Dario started as a para volunteer 20 years ago, working her way up the ladder to become an education technology coordinator. Vogel said she has been responsible for many changes in technology.
“She’s wired classrooms, tracked down phone lines, set up copiers and Smartboards, had laptops delivered via school bus and so much more,” Vogel said. “Through all the changes, the constant has been Kathleen. Her dedication will be missed.”
Middle School Nurse Diana Gerbick is retiring after 25 years. Vogel said she tended to thousands of students, always with care and compassion, “whether it was a small paper cut or sprained ankle or headache.” Vogel noted the demands on school nurses have increased “immensely” due to more students with medication issues and severe allergies.
“She has never wavered and has taken on every additional responsibility with professionalism and the highest level of medical care,” Vogel said.
Lynnfield High School Nurse Mary Homan is retiring after more than 17 years in the district. Vogel said Homan was more than “band-aids and cough drops, and she worked tirelessly with the community to create wellness events. We couldn’t have made it through COVID without her.”
Vogel said Lynnfield Middle School Paraprofessional Melinda Johnson retires after “countless years,” working in multiple roles in special education and providing both in the classroom, with small groups and one-on-one with students.
High School Business Teacher James Thoen was lauded by Vogel for raising “the Business IQs” of Lynnfield High students. She noted he made the “transition from the boardroom to the classroom,” and was a huge positive for the Lynnfield community.
Susan Hayden logged 20 years of service as a kindergarten aide at the Summer Street School, starting in 2002.
Lorie Kelly, a Fourth Grade Teacher at the Summer Street School, began her career in 1990 and also served as Lynnfield Teachers Association president.
Summer Street School ELL Teacher Stephanie Stella Klove is retiring after 24 years. She grew up in Lynnfield and started her teaching career in 1997.
Huckleberry Hill School Art Teacher Kathleen Lorenzo and Nurse Lauren Sullivan are also retiring. Lorenzo retired at the beginning of this year. She started her teaching career in Lynnfield in 2005, while Sullivan started her career in 2000.
Vogel said Sullivan’s smile and calm demeanor created a welcoming environment for students. “She made Lynnfield students instantly feel at ease and also maintained protocols to keep everyone safe,” said Vogel.