There will be no shortage of new faces at Tobey Elementary in the fall, as one-third of Vicksburg Community Schools’ 21 retiring staff members are from the home of the Tigers.
In comparison to previous years, the number of retiring staff members overall this year is high.
Superintendent Keevin O’Neill acknowledged the eyebrow-raising figure and the disproportionate number of staff retiring from Tobey. Nonetheless, he said the school district remains resilient and he is confident new hires will ensure that its high standards remain in place.
“Vicksburg Community Schools has had the good fortune of many dedicated employees who have given 100 percent to our students year after year, and this group of soon-to-be-retired staff members is no exception,” O’Neill said. “I wish them well and thank them for their commitment to VCS and its students.”
According to information provided by district officials, the following staff members plan to retire at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. Years of service represent employment with VCS only.
- Wendy Gebben, Tobey, kindergarten, 32 years.
- Amy Green, Tobey, math interventionist, 32 years.
- Diane Fleming, Vicksburg Middle School, paraprofessional, 30 years.
- Kathy Holliday, Tobey, fourth grade, 29 years.
- Dave Smith, Vicksburg High School, English, 29 years.
- Nancy Brownell, school bus driver, 27 years.
- Molly Beardsley, social worker, 25 years.
- Donald Puckett, technology director, 25 years.
- Terri Secord, high school, family and consumer science, 27 years.
- Sham Moore, high school paraprofessional, 24 years.
- Kurt Phelps, high school, strength and conditioning, 24 years.
- Janyce Hutchins, high school, learning applications resource center, 23 years.
- Alyson Lonsway, Tobey, counselor, 23 years.
- Mike Barwegen, Tobey, principal, 22 years.
- Jill Tibbets, Tobey, interventionist, 19 years.
- Carole Boal, Tobey, kindergarten, 18 years.
- Lisa Coe, high school, educational support and intervention paraprofessional, 16 years.
- Greg Mills, high school, CTE computerized manufacturing and mechatronics engineering, 11 years.
- Gail VanDaff, director of curriculum and instruction, 10 years.
- Stephanie Guenther, middle school, ESI paraprofessional, 10 years.
- Susan Craddock-Frisbie, math and reading paraprofessional, five years.
The district’s last day of school is June 6.
