The end of a school year means goodbyes and “have a great summer” for teachers and students.
But, for some teachers and school staff, the timing means the end of a career and the start of the next chapter of life.
Waynesboro Schools celebrated 2025 retirees in May.
Waynesboro Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Cassell said the school system is “disappointed and sad to lose” the 13 individuals, but also very happy for them.
“We’ll miss you and expect you to come back often,” Cassell said.
Waynesboro School Board Chair Amber Lipscomb thanked the retirees “for building the relationships” while employed with Waynesboro Schools.
“You are what makes Waynesboro great. You make this community great,” she said. “And I want to say thank you so much for your dedication and for ending your careers, but maybe thriving somewhere else in our community in Waynesboro Schools.”
At the start of Waynesboro School Board’s regular meeting in the Louis B. Spilman Auditorium of Waynesboro High School, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ryan Barber introduced each retiree.
“You’ve been the steady hands and caring hearts behind countless successes, quiet encouragements and life-changing lessons. Your legacy lives on in classrooms, offices, cafeterias and the schools that you leave behind, and clinics. I can’t forget clinics. And, more importantly, in the lives you’ve touched,” Barber said.
Federal Programs Manager Lisa Brooks, Secretary Betsy Clark, Director of School Nutrition Tammy Coffee and Department of Student Services Secretary Sheila Freed all retired from the school system’s central office.
“Literally, what you saw was over 100 years of service to the Waynesboro community retiring from our central office,” Barber said. “So, we’re going to try to muttle through and make progress moving forward [without them].”
Kenneth Holley retired as custodian at Kate Collins Middle School and will become a bus driver for Waynesboro Schools.
“He’s going to keep working for us, just in a different role,” Barber said.
Janice Cook retired from school nutrition and Teresa Sprouse retired as the registered nurse at Wayne Hills.
Rosemary Wagoner retired as IT Resource Educator at multiple schools. She serves as vice president of the Waynesboro Education Association (WEA).
Five retirees were not present on May 13: Justin Booth, who taught science at Kate Collins Middle, Becky Cline retired from the Finance Department, Dale Osteen retired from maintenance operations, Dawn Pryor, who was school nutrition manager at Waynesboro High School, and Peggy Swartz retired after a long career with transportation and maintenance.
“On behalf of the entire school division, thank you for your service, your passion and your unwavering commitment to education. May your next chapter be as rich and rewarding as the one you close tonight. Congratulations and enjoy your well-earned retirement,” Barber said.
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Rebecca Barnabi
