Chesapeake Beach, MD – Like the bittersweet graduation ceremonies that will take place the first full week of June, Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) sendoff for its retiring employees included praise and well wishes for the next adventure. The school system has over 70 retirees and CCPS officials more are likely to make exit plans during the summer vacation. On Thursday evening, June 1 CCPS hosted its 2017 Retirement Celebration at Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa’s Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant. Of the retired or retiring listed in the event program, over 40 were school support staff while nearly 30 classroom teachers are also calling it a career.
Additionally, three principals—including two who decided to retire last summer—are on this years’ honor roll.
During the ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry took a wireless microphone into the crowd to randomly ask retirees about their plans. One retiree said she would be spending time with her grandchildren and planned to write a children’s book.
Noting that he has encountered several parents who claim they moved to Calvert County for its outstanding public school system, Curry told the retirees, “you’re the ones who made that happen.”
In fact, many of the educators exiting CCPS this year started their careers back when Calvert’s population was considerably smaller and word was spreading in the Mid-Atlantic Region that Calvert County was the place to be for primary and secondary public education.
“Your collective talents and knowledge will be missed,” said Calvert Board of Education (BOE) President Pam Cousins.
The event organizer, CCPS Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Director Dr. Victoria D. Karol, read summaries of the retirees who attended the celebration and came forward for thanks from Curry and the five BOE members. Among their post-education career plans, Calvert Elementary School teacher plans to move to Colorado to work at a facility aiding traumatized women. Mount Harmony Elementary School teacher Diana Sullivan has started a “skin care business.” Calvert High Teacher Nancy Watters plans to go “hiking, biking and kayaking,” subsequently starting a new career.
Sharon Godfrey is ending her 45-year career with CCPS as the Finance Department’s head accounts payable clerk. Karol noted that Godfrey has worked for eight superintendents. Godfrey’s husband, John, is also retiring as a licensed electrician for the School Facilities/Maintenance Department.
Karol told TheBayNet.com that unlike some recent years, no retirement incentive packages were offered to eligible CCPS employees this year.
Entertainment at the event was provided by the Calvert Chamber Players.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
