On Wednesday night, Board of Education Steve Harding said he was honored and privileged to have been taught over his 13 years in the school district by 11 of the 18 teachers who have accepted an early retirement incentive package for the coming year.
“I know every single one of these teachers,” said Harding, 25, who is now a lawyer for a New Milford firm. “I can tell you first hand of their experience. I know they made me a better person, and I can only think of all they have done for others.”
Other board members were equally effusive in praise for the experience and devotion that has been given to Brookfield by these men and women, many who have served for more than two decades.
“This is our real Hall of Fame class that we are losing,” said veteran board member Harry Shaker, the father of three children. “This is a real loss to our system.
Schools Superintendent Tony Bivona noted that these 18 teachers represent 556 years of experience.
“We are grateful to all these teachers who have served our district with distinction,” Bivona said. “And I hope they get to enjoy whatever they have in store when they enter retirement life.”
The list of teachers, and their years in the district, are as follows:
Toni Sullivan, first grade at Center School, 29 years.
Judy Williams, kindergarten teacher at Center School, 44 years.
Joan Oppenheimer, first grade at Center School, 29 years
Barry Huber, fourth-grade teacher at Huckleberry Hill, 28 years.
Pam Rogalin, Whisconier Middle social studies, 35 years.
Hugh Rogers, fifth-grade at Whisconier Middle; 27 years.
Greg Gubitosi, Whisconier social studies, 38 years.
Karen Jackson, Whisconier Spanish, 13 years.
Pat Messer, Whisconier art, 34 years.
John Geason, Brookfield High English, 20 years.
Robert Sweeney, Brookfield High business, 38 years.
Jim Lyon, Brookfield High business, 44 years.
Scott Friend, Brookfield high music, 11 years.
Cyndie
Adamski, Brookfield High physical education and athletic coordinator, 42 years.
Gary Cassells, Brookfield High physical education, 34 years.
Claude Wallace, Brookfield High math, 34 years.
Susan Stahley, Brookfield High special education, 35 years.
Marty Settle, Brookfield High special education, eight years.
Linda Waldo, administrative secretary for the special education department, 13 years.