SKILLED PROFESSIONALS SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS’ SUCCESS
Kearsley families may recognize some familiar faces in our school buildings and district departments. Kearsley Community Schools currently has 13 district retirees working in a variety of capacities, returning a combined 365 years of educational experience to the district.
Photo: Kandy Cousins supporting AMS students with Science
CHANGE IN MICHIGAN’S LAWS
In October, Michigan lawmakers passed House Bill 4752, allowing retired school employees to return to the classroom and school activities without giving up their retirement benefits. Prior to the passage of this bill, retirees had to wait nine months before returning to work for schools or faced earnings restrictions. Now, they can get back on the job sooner and keep their benefits, which is a huge benefit for students, employees, and schools.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR KEARSLEY STUDENTS?
Returning staff, in their new positions, can focus on tasks they most enjoy – working directly with Kearsley students.
Tutors at Armstrong Middle School & Kearsley High School
Kandy Cousins - KHS Science Teacher, retired January 2021
Brenda Duplanty - AMS Math Teacher, retired June 2022
Laurie Lambing - AMS Science Teacher, retired June 2023
Kari Shaw - KHS English Language Arts Teacher, retired June 2021
Chris Torok - KHS Math Teacher, retired June 2021
Substitute Teachers in all Kearsley Buildings
Scott Fray - AMS Social Studies Teacher, retired June 2023
Lynda Fox – AMS & Fiedler Teacher, retired June 2023
Jane Turton - KHS English Language Arts Teacher, retired June 2022
Student Success Coordinators
Lisa Brown-Diener - KHS Special Education Teacher, retired June 2021
Kelli Verran - Fiedler Principal, retired June 2020
PBIS Monitor
Bonnie Fleming – PBIS Monitor, retired June 2023
Substitute Bus Drivers
Greg Ellsworth - Head Mechanic, retired 2022
Vicky Peterson - Bus Driver, retired 2022
Photo: Chris Torok demonstrating math concepts
Jeff Ragland serves as the district’s secondary MTSS instructional coach, and one of his tasks is to help onboard tutors. “I think that retirees are returning because they enjoy working with students and enjoy helping give back to the community,” he said. “I think that retirees offer excellent insights because they know the education system and can identify possible ‘blindspots,’ thereby helping to increase equitable learning outcomes for all students.”
These valued employees bring a depth of experience and skills to their positions. They are familiar with our families and staff members. “It’s great to have veteran educators returning to KHS to fill critical tutoring roles. These teachers have the ability to connect with students and help them succeed,” said KHS Principal Brian Wiskur. “We are so fortunate to have skilled educators willing to come back and serve in these roles.”
Photo: Kari Shaw discussing a novel with KHS Freshman
“We have several retired teachers returning to tutor or substitute teach in our classrooms. A retired principal is our success coordinator. These educators love to be with students! They are wired to share content knowledge with kids and to guide children as they grow. The time these professionals spend with our students is so valuable. They are closing achievement gaps, assisting with assignments, and supporting the classroom teachers, Armstrong Middle School Principal Lisa Oetting shared. “There are many opportunities for what these retirees could do with their time. They have options, and they have chosen to return to Kearsley Schools!”
Photo: Kelli Verran mentoring AMS student
“While we continue to face challenges to fill many of our vacant positions, we are grateful to these Kearsley retirees," said Paul Gaudard, Superintendent of Kearsley Schools. "The knowledge and experience they are providing to our students and staff is invaluable.”
#PrideTraditionExcellence