On Wednesday, April 29, USD 428 hosted its annual Employee Recognition Banquet at the District Education Center, honoring the dedication and service of staff members throughout the district. The event celebrated career milestones, including 25-year service awards and retirements.
"The impact these individuals have had on our district is immeasurable," said Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent. Their meaningful work and contributions have left a lasting mark on USD 428. Beyond their professional achievements, it is the positive relationships they鈥檝e built with their colleagues, our students, and the entire Great Bend community that truly define their legacy. We are grateful for their years of service."
Six educators were honored for reaching their 25-year career milestone, a testament to their passion, dedication, and impact on generations of students. Receiving certificates of recognition were Barbara Austin, GBHS; Zachary Bartel, GBHS; Linda Basye, Jefferson, Eisenhower, LPP; Stacey Magnett, GBMS; Andy Negaard, Great Bend High School; and Sarah Irwin, BCSS/Jefferson Elementary, who was unable to attend.
The 2026 retirees included teachers, coaches, and support staff who have shaped classrooms, inspired students, and strengthened the USD 428 community.
This year鈥檚 retiring teachers include:
Gary Pinkall, Great Bend Middle School: With 37 years in the district and 44 total years in education, Gary鈥檚 career spanned from Roosevelt Jr. High to Great Bend Middle School. He coached football, basketball, and track, and was named the USD 428 Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2001. "I will always be proud to say that I was a teacher in USD 428," he shared.
Linda Basye, Jefferson, Eisenhower, and Little Panthers Preschool: Linda dedicated 26 years to USD 428, serving as a para, reading teacher, kindergarten teacher, and ESL teacher. She cherishes the "lifetime of memories" from each class, including the growth, laughter, and deep connections made with students and colleagues.
Debra Clarke, Lincoln Elementary: Over her 28-year career with the district, Debra worked in food service and as a summer job coach before becoming a paraprofessional for Barton County Special Services in 2003. She finds great joy in receiving notes from students and seeing them later in life as they start their own families.
Dale Kuhlman, Lincoln Elementary: Dale served USD 428 for 20 years of his 28-year teaching career, also spending time as a middle and high school basketball coach. He holds a special memory of being on the coaching staff during his son's senior year when the team won the WAC championship.
Shelly Post, Little Panthers Preschool: Shelly鈥檚 36-year tenure with the district was highlighted by her role in starting the brand-new Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program in 1990. She is proud of how the program has grown from its humble beginnings to become a valued and essential part of USD 428.
Eric Dowson, Park Elementary: Eric served the district for 22 years, primarily as a 6th-grade teacher and instructional coach, while also officiating multiple sports. One of his fondest memories is taking students on Honor Roll field trips to Ft. Larned NHS for 15 consecutive years.
Susan Thornburg, Park Elementary: Susan taught 4th grade and worked in the ELL program during her 25 years with USD 428. She was deeply moved when a former student recognized her years later at a conference and credited her science experiments for his career as a science instructor.
The district also extends its gratitude to those who were unable to attend the ceremony but are celebrated for their significant contributions:
路 Jodi Brack-Romeiser (BCSS, Hoisington): Jodi served the district for 34 years as a Speech Language Pathologist.
路 Gui Burley (Great Bend High School): Gui served the district for 20 years as a Family Worker for ESL and Migrant Programs.
路 Mary Elliott (BCSS, Ellinwood): Mary has been a paraprofessional for BCSS/USD 428 for 21 years.
路 Pam Elsen (BCSS, Hoisington): Pam dedicated 31 years to the district as a Speech Language Assistant.
路 Tedi Lacey (BCSS, Otis-Bison): Tedi served two years with BCSS/USD 428 as a paraprofessional.
路 Jami Reed (Jefferson Elementary): Jami has been a teacher for 35 years in USD 428. Serving 23 of those years as a 3rd-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary. Her career also included teaching kindergarten at Eisenhower and Jefferson before finding her passion for 3rd-grade.
The evening also spotlighted the 25-year educator milestone. Five incredible educators were honored for reaching this benchmark, a testament to their passion, perseverance, and impact on generations of students.
Receiving certificates of recognition were Barbara Austin, GBHS; Zachary Bartel, GBHS; Linda Basye, Jefferson, Eisenhower, LPP; Stacey Magnett, GBMS; Andy Negaard, Great Bend High School; and Sarah Irwin, BCSS/Jefferson Elementary, who was unable to attend.
For more information about recognition programs or careers in USD 428, please visit GreatBendSchools.net or contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500.