Congratulations, 2023 BSD Retirees!

We want to recognize these dedicated employees - not only for their years of service to our District and our students, but as our friends and colleagues, who are forever a part of our legacy.

We send a warm congratulations and a sincere thank you out to ALL of our retirees. You will be missed!

Purchasing Coordinator

36 years in education

36 years with BSD

For the last 36 years, if you had a question on purchasing or contracts, your “go-to” person at the District office has been Diana. Her wealth of knowledge has made her an asset to the business office - especially when it comes to handling capital projects. Diana’s commitment to her work has made her someone you can count on to get the job done. Diana willingly shares her knowledge of business systems and is known to exhibit grace, flexibility and adaptability in challenging circumstances.

In her retirement, Diana is planning on doing some gardening, card making, painting, and taking trips with her husband, Don. She is also looking forward to being able to lunch with friends during the day & sleeping in.

Certificated Teacher

29 years in education

29 years with BSD

Mary-Anne is wrapping up her 29-year teaching career with the Bremerton School District at West Hills STEM Academy where she's teaching math and reading. Mary-Anne incorporates student self-evaluation and ownership of their learning process in an effort to increase their involvement and build their motivation. Her “do whatever it takes to help students succeed” attitude has created high levels of trust in her classrooms. An active and effective team member, Mary-Anne is a leader who is continually looking to improve her skills.

In retirement, she is very much looking forward to spending time with her family and friends and traveling wherever the wind might take her.

Certificated Teacher

24 years in education

24 years with BSD

After 15 years in the construction trades in the private sector, Eric came to the Bremerton School District to share his knowledge with our students at West Sound Technical Skills Center.

For the last 24 years Eric has been a positive and energetic instructor who is committed to ensuring positive learning opportunities for his students. Some of these opportunities included building picnic shelters in Bremerton parks, working on Habitat for Humanity houses and catapults for “pumpkin chunkin” competitions - which they won numerous times. His engaging seminars covered not just that day’s project but also safety and operational protocols.

Eric is described as loyal, dependable, professional and someone who's always willing to help students and fellow teachers. His dedication and commitment and his ability to connect with his students is evidenced by the many who come back to visit him years after graduation and speak to his current classes about their successful careers in construction.

Now that he will be retired, Eric is looking forward to being able to do more traveling and camping with his wife.

Certificated Teacher

38 years in education

32 years with BSD

Don started at Bremerton High School in the early 1990s and for the next 16 years he taught high school students the construction trades and material science, among other things, adding areas of study as technology advanced.

For the last 15 years, he has been at the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy teaching a range of subjects from robotics and digital photography to math and social science to personal finance and career exploration. Don uses multiple methods – lecture, written info, labs – to teach and to provide opportunities for students to catch-up, keep up and go beyond what was covered in the classroom. With his core belief of the “kids are always worth it,” Don is known for listening to and mentoring students. He built strong relationships with students, colleagues and the community, all while advocating for his students and their success.

When not creating art glass, Don plans to spend his retirement traveling the world.

Certificated Teacher

34 years in education

32 years with BSD

Richard has been teaching middle school science in the Bremerton School District for 32 years. Richard also served as the middle school head football coach and the head fastpitch coach for more than 10 years. His passion for teaching and working with kids is strongly evidenced by his ability to establish a good rapport with all his students.

He is known for being an advocate for equitable treatment for all students and demonstrates a keen interest in student growth opportunities. Richard makes himself available to any child who needs a little extra help or mentoring. His knowledge, experience and advocacy for all students will long be remembered.

Certificated Teacher

35 years in education

9 years with BSD

Joanna has spent the last nine years of her 35-year educational career with the Bremerton School District, sharing her love of music and the arts with her students at View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy. She has been a role model for students in showing kindness and fostering a positive environment which was very conducive for learning.

Joanna is known for creating a warm and inviting classroom environment. Students in her class learn and laugh as she integrates music, science, social studies and visual arts into her teaching. Joanna has volunteered outside of the school day to lead school choirs and teach the music section of our K-2 drama club. In every way, Joanna has been a great asset to the students and staff at View Ridge.

Paraeducator

32 years in education

32 years with BSD

Jenny has been with the Bremerton School District for 32 years, and for the last 25 years she has been a paraeducator at Renaissance High School. She is welcoming to all, and the warm presence she brings to the office helps make the intake process go smoothly.

It is easy to see Jenny cares deeply about the students and the school, as she gives amazing encouragement and advice to them daily. She works well with students, staff and families – often going the extra mile to support them. Her positive attitude, professionalism and kindness make her a valuable, vital member of the team. She leaves big shoes to fill and she will be missed.

Certificated Teacher

34 years in education

32 years with BSD

Lori has worked for the Bremerton School District for 32 years teaching middle school social studies. Lori’s passion for learning helps her to build strong relationships with her students and their families, creating an excellent rapport and bringing all to be vested in the student’s success.

Lori serves as a mentor for her colleagues and works to build a strong leadership team. She has even served as the department chair for social studies for a number of years. Lori’s commitment to her students’ success has been shown in her involvement in the AVID program and her work to advance the program school wide.

In retirement, Lori is looking forward to spending time with her husband and children, traveling, and trail riding with her horse, Pepper, and her dog, Valha.

Certificated Teacher

22 years in education

22 years with BSD

James, or "Oggie" as he prefers to be called, started his teaching career with BSD as a science and math teacher at Renaissance High School 22 years ago. Oggie’s teaching style has always been focused on recognizing and capitalizing on his students' strengths. Using various strategies, he provides opportunities for his students to take ownership of their learning experiences.

Oggie has long been a supporter of learning for all students – including the historically underserved; his goal being to guide them to a future they may not have imagined for themselves. Friendly, ethical and professional in all his dealings with students and families, Oggie served as an advocate for fair and equitable practices for all.

The first item on his retirement “to do” list: turn off all of his alarms.

Head Custodian

46 years in education

46 years with BSD

Marshall first became a part of the Bremerton School District as a kindergarten student at age 4! Marshall joined the District as an employee shortly after he graduated from Olympic College in 1976 when he was hired as a substitute then a full-time custodian. He was hired as the head custodian at Armin Jahr Elementary in 1983 before moving to East High School and then Bremerton High School where he served as head custodian for the next 30 years!

Marshall, known for his dedicated hard work and reliability, never had an unkind word for anyone and was always willing to help everyone. Many people remember Marshal when they see him and often tell him “Thank you” for all the friendly help he gave them over the years.

Paraeducator

17 years in education

17 years with BSD

Marsha has worked for the Bremerton School District off and on since 1981. She started her career as a paraeducator at the Frances Haddon Morgan Center school. In her 17 years with our district, Marsha has worked at Naval Avenue Elementary, Crownhill Elementary, Mountain View Middle School and Bremerton High School.

Marsha’s experience at the Frances Haddon Morgan Center provided her with an excellent background to handle the variety of situations special needs students present every day. Marsha’s genuine interest in her students is reflected in her patience in working with them and the pride she takes in their accomplishments. Her positive attitude, flexibility and teamwork approach were instrumental in the design and implementation of various programs for assisting those with special needs. Marsha is known for being a good listener, respectful at all times and going above and beyond.

In retirement, Marsha is looking forward to spending more time with her family – going to events with her older grandchildren and watching the younger ones grow up. Additionally, she and her husband Terry are still hoping to travel the US and see how many baseball fields they can visit.

Principal / Administrator

29 years in education

5 years with BSD

Five years ago when Karen came to the Bremerton School District as principal at Kitsap Lake Elementary (KLE), she brought her experience in equity programs and initiatives with her. During her four years as principal, she didn’t shy away from difficult conversations about challenging subjects, using her active listening skills to achieve resolutions to the issues at hand. Her ability to ask the right questions and provide the right support was vital in developing her staff into strong leaders. With inclusivity and diversity guiding team norms, KLE became a community with established core values of kindness, safety, and responsibility.

Karen has spent this past year in the Special Programs Department at the District office sharing her knowledge of these important topics districtwide.

In retirement, Karen is very much looking forward to being able to spend time gardening, tending to her bonsai trees, traveling, visiting her grandchildren, and learning to play the bass guitar.

Certificated Teacher

37 years in education

37 years with BSD

Sheri has spent her entire career with the Bremerton School District, teaching grades 1-5 for most of that time, and working as a literary specialist the last eight years. She started her career in 1986 at Crownhill as a half-time teacher, went on to teach at Olympic View and Kitsap Lake Elementaries, and then returned to Crownhill when it reopened in 1996.

No matter the classroom setting, Sheri’s respectful and caring interactions created successful learning environments. She combined her passion for teaching with kindness and intention, giving students feedback which helped to build their confidence. You can often find Sheri out in the community cheering on her students at graduations or sports events.

In retirement, Sheri will continue to help take care of her mom, take more trips to the beach, volunteer in her grandchildrens’ classrooms, and she might even work as a substitute.

Certificated Teacher

28 years in education

26 years with BSD

Tanya has divided her time with our District equally among three schools – Kitsap Lake Elementary, Mountain View Middle School and Crownhill Elementary. Known for being calm, respectful and encouraging, she held her students to high standards helping them to rise to their potential. The strong relationships she built with students created a sense of community, and whole class celebrations of accomplishments helped all develop confidence. Tanya is seen as a natural leader who can identify resources and best practices and who shares these with her colleagues. She is dedicated and yet flexible in her methods of pursuing student success.

In retirement, Tanya is looking to fill her days with gardening, aquaponics, painting walls, wood working, pleasure reading, quilting, travel, family and… and… and... the list keeps growing!

Speech and Language Pathologist

42 years in education

27 years with BSD

Ellen has provided speech and language pathology (SLP) services to the District for almost 30 years. She considers herself a lifelong learner and has been devoted to developing her extensive knowledge in SLP. Ellen readily shares her ideas, techniques and practices with her colleagues to improve the services the district provides to all our students in need of speech therapy. Her ability to establish an easy rapport with students creates a welcoming environment which combined with the reports, information and resources she shares with parents leads to the best outcomes for our students in need of specially designed speech therapy.

Ellen’s list for retirement activities includes continuing to coach middle and high school rowing, spending more time with friends and perfecting her signature cake.

Certificated Teacher

40 years in education

36 years with BSD

In her 40 years in education, Elaine has spent 36 in the Bremerton School District where she taught at Bremerton Middle School, Crownhill Elementary, and Mountain View Middle School before spending the last nine years at Armin Jahr Elementary. Elaine is known to keep an open mind and to be receptive to new ideas. A strong collaborator with her team, staff and parents, she was a resource for others in addressing problems and issues. Elaine’s “can-do” attitude and her caring nature made her a strong advocate for students; always seeking to ensure they had the appropriate support to be successful; always seeking the light bulb, the joy and pride that comes with grasping a new concept.

Retirement isn’t going to stop Elaine from helping students – when she is not traveling, she plans on volunteering at Armin Jahr Elementary and with the Bremerton Backpack Brigade.

Paraeducator

23 years in education

23 years with BSD

For the past 23 years, Irene has been an integral part of the Bremerton School District’s English Language Learners (ELL) program. From the very beginning of her tenure with our district, Irene has been described as a constant professional who is a joy to work with. Not only is she dependable and well prepared each day, she has a positive attitude and shows all students she genuinely cares about them. Her flexibility and adaptability to work with kids of all ages – and their parents – made her a welcome asset whether she was at Naval, View Ridge, Crownhill or Mountain View Middle School.

In retirement, she plans to return to traveling the world with her husband.

Certificated Teacher

27 years in education

9 years with BSD

Janice’s nine years with Bremerton cap off her 27 year career in education. Her ability to share her love of art has led her to be active in school and community art projects and to be a champion of collaborative work – in the schools and out. Janice’s work on the Arts & Communication Advisory committee has helped grow the district's connections with local businesses, the Bremerton art community and the greater Kitsap county area.

Janice plans to spend her retirement painting in her studio, growing an edible garden and visiting family and friends more often.

Principal/Administrator

40 years in education

24 years with BSD

John came to Bremerton in 1999 with 16 years in education under his belt, teaching special education in Seattle and Steilacoom. Over the next 24 years, John worked to establish and build our Spanish immersion/dual language programs. John’s continuing commitment to equity for all led him to play a key role in initiating the Social Emotional Learning program districtwide. John understood the importance of providing opportunities for shared leadership with his staff. John’s work to shrink gaps in both opportunity and achievement carried over to his work this last year in Special Programs at the District Administration Office where he assisted with various programs including Child Find and COVID monitoring.

In retirement, John is looking forward to traveling with his wife Kelly and spending more time with family and friends.

Retirees and their colleagues, family and friends were invited to the 2023 retiree recognition event during the May 18 board meeting. The meeting kicked-off with the national anthem performed by BHS orchestra students, followed by a performance from BHS choir students. After each retiree was recognized, the board called a recess for a reception. We invite you to view the photos from the standing-room only event in the slideshow below.

Note: Some retirees have opted out of participating in District retiree recognition activities and are therefore not included in this newsletter.

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