From USD 428
USD 428 proudly recognizes the dedication and service of 70 staff members who have reached significant career milestones in 2026. Together, these individuals represent an extraordinary 920 years of combined service to USD 428, our students, and the community—an incredible reflection of the experience, commitment, and care our staff bring to their work each day.
The district’s Career Milestone Program celebrates both licensed and classified employees in five-year increments, recognizing the meaningful contributions staff members make throughout their careers. At the March Board of Education meeting, the Board honored employees reaching 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service, recognizing their dedication to supporting students, families, and colleagues across the district.
“Quality education is built on relationships, and many of the individuals we’re honoring this year have spent decades investing in the success of our students and community,” said Superintendent Khris Thexton. “Their commitment, professionalism, and pride in their work help shape the culture of USD 428 and make our schools stronger every day.”
As part of the recognition, milestone recipients receive a token of appreciation—such as a milestone t-shirt, jacket, or bag—to commemorate their years of service.
USD 428 extends heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all milestone recipients for their unwavering service and dedication. For a full list of 2025 Milestone recipients from 5 to 35 years, please visit www.greatbendschools.net.
Staff Celebrating Career Milestones in 2026:
40 Years of Service:
· Susan Stambaugh – Vocal Music Director
35 Years of Service:
· Shelly Post - Preschool Coordinator
30 Years of Service:
· Jana Miessler - BCSS
· Traci Miller - Instructional Coach, Riley
· Shannon Wedel - Elementary Art Teacher
· Greg Wells - Teacher, GBMS
25 Years of Service:
· Linda Basye - EL Teacher
· Jolene Kirmer - Teaching & Learning Secretary
· Pamela Jordan - Teacher, Jefferson
· Lisa Turner - Teacher Assistant, Jefferson
20 Years of Service:
· Janet Dowson - Substitute Coordinator
· Karen Ekberg - Teacher, Lincoln
· Mary Elliott - Para, Ellinwood
· Jeremy Foster - Teacher, GBHS
· Sarah Irwin – Speech Language Pathologist, BCSS
· Holly Oyedeji - Teacher, GBMS
· Amy Paden - Custodian, LPP/DEC
15 Years of Service:
· Arellanes Gladis
· Tami Cale
· Peggy Haag
· Rosalinda Loera
· Renee Nicholson
· Marie Younger
10 Years of Service:
· Jared Bashor
· Signe Cook
· Dayami Cortez
· Lisa Daniels
· Hanna Degenhardt
· Janae Donham
· Tabitha Gray
· Maria Hernandez
· Chris Jeska
· Meagan Ketch
· Sandra Lopez
· Melissa Lutt
· Clarissa McCormick
· Cristina Montes
· Nina Ralston
· Priscilla Rose
· Jason Shomber
· Sandra Smith
· Eric Steiner
· Kelly Strayer
· Lori Tennis
· Tara Weeks
· Lacy Wolters
5 years of Service:
· Kaitlyn Barkow
· Kelsey Barrett
· Joseph Bliven
· Keshia Causey
· Ashley Davis
· Kristy Ferguson
· Kristina Frost
· Lilia Guyton
· Amy Haxton
· Casey Jording
· Robin Linsner
· Nora Lopez-Aquino
· Brandy Maneth
· Sheree Marshall
· Tonya Miller
· Krystal Santy
· Shara Stettinger
· Amy Turner
· Patty Vasquez
· Sarah Vaughn
· Emily Young