From USD 428 Great Bend...
USD 428 proudly celebrates the careers of 15 teachers and staff members who are set to retire at the close of the 2023-2024 school year with an impressive 331 cumulative years of service to the field of education.
An Employee Recognition Banquet held on Wednesday, May 1 at the Great Bend Middle School celebrated retirees as well as educators who have completed 25 years in the profession. The evening also included the recognition of Don Learned with a ROSE Award.
“This group of dedicated teachers and staff have made a tremendous impact on education in their years of service,” said Khris Thexton, superintendent of USD 428, “This is always a special evening to pause and appreciate their career accomplishments as well as the cumulative ‘good’ they have done for our students, district, and community.”
Among the 2024 retirees, USD 428 honored classroom teachers, a building administrator, and several professionals who support classroom instruction and learning.
With a 41-year career in USD 428, Tim Friess has been at the helm of GBHS for nearly 3 decades, serving as assistant principal (12 years) and then principal (16 years). He also worked at Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools for 11 years combined.
“Tim has a genuine heart for kids,” said Randy Wetzel, a former colleague at GBHS and USD 428 Board of Education Member.
Retiring teachers include Bill Cook, Tina Hiss, and Donna Nett from GBHS; Kelly Brack and Don Regehr from GBMS; Dara Touslee from Park Elementary; and Brenda McCulley and Bryan Scott from Riley Elementary.
GBHS Teachers:
Bill Cook, Great Bend High School science teacher, has taught for a total of 19 years, 14 years at GBHS teaching Chemistry I & II. Throughout his career, Cook has enjoyed making connections with students in his classroom, with a favorite time being “when students come back to tell me how each ‘chem’ is in college because they were well-prepared for it in high school.”
Tina Hiss, has been a math teacher at GBHS for 45 years. Beyond the classroom, she’s a known champion and cheerleader for students, sharing that some of her favorite memories were state basketball championships, the “miracle on Morton” football game in 2019, and 11 consecutive Gold Awards for the Kay Club to which she was a sponsor, to name a few.
Donna Nett, celebrates a 40-year teaching career with 9 years at Great Bend High School as a Special Education Teacher. Nett has enjoyed working in a “forward-thinking district that helps students reach their full potential.”
GBMS Teachers:
For 31 Years, 25 of which was spent in Great Bend USD 428, Kelly Brack has equipped and encouraged students in the classroom, on the track, wrestling mats, football field, and more. Working as a physical education teacher at GBMS for the past ten years, Brack will depart with “many memories of students and athletes developing into fine men and women that our community can be proud of.”
Don Regehr, band instructor at GBMS, has inspired thousands of students during his 39-year career in teaching. Students in USD 428 have benefitted from his passion for music for ten years, in addition to Hill City, Central Burden District, and Ellinwood. Regehr has enjoyed taking students on band trips, to honor band opportunities, and working with other dedicated educators to provide enrichment opportunities for students. Regehr returned to USD 428 at a time when he would be able to teach his own children in his classes, saying, “it was a good move and I’ve met some great people here.”
Park Elementary:
Inspiring young learners, Dara Touslee has spent the most recent portion of her 37-year career in education in front of a kindergarten classroom. Touslee’s time in USD 428 also included 6th-grade, 4th-grade, as well as several instructional support roles including serving as the District Staff Development Coordinator.
“I’m glad to see the addition of Little Panthers Preschool,” Touslee said. “As a Kindergarten teacher, I see what a powerful impact early learning has on our students.”
Riley Elementary:
Brenda McCulley celebrates 34 years as an educator, 31 in USD 428. McCulley’s legacy is visible in her account of what she’s witnessed in countless students over the years, “I’ve watched students make incredible gains, grow up, graduate high school, and become valuable parts of our community.”
A teacher, encourager, referee, and more, Bryan Scott has served Riley Elementary as a physical education teacher for 13 years. Through collaboration with PE teachers across the district, Scott appreciates the “measure of growth that’s visible as we work in harmony with the standards to teach students.”
Support Services:
Retirees from USD 428 support service include Debbie Jackson, food service (17 years); Dan Perez, maintenance (17 years); Tami Reeves, GBMS teacher assistant (6 years); Michelle Rose, Lincoln Elementary paraprofessional (23 years); Lori Thomas, BCSS paraprofessional (24 years); and Susan Wilson, maintenance (15 years).
Retirees not pictured: Debbie Jackson, Dan Perez, Tami Reeves, Susan Wilson
ROSE Award:
Marking a significant contribution to USD 428 and 66 years in support of education, Don Learned was presented with the R.O.S.E. Award – Recognizing Outstanding Support of Education.
“Retiring from USD 428 in 1992 when he was principal of Roosevelt Jr. High School, Mr. Learned has worked an entire second career as a substitute teacher. He’s dependable, relates well to the students, and will undoubtedly be missed when we resume school next year.”
At the close of the summer, Learned and his wife Elsie will relocate to Texas to live with their daughter and family.
“You just have to stop and smile when you think of this group of retirees,” said Thexton. “As they set off to enjoy extra time with family, hobbies, or their next adventure, we know they carry forward their tireless dedication to the youth of our community. We express our deepest gratitude for their commitment and service to USD 428, and wish them the very best!”
An additional five educators were recognized for completing 25 years in the profession.
Receiving certificates of recognition from the University of Kansas were, JoAnn Blevins (District Education Center), Annalee Crotinger (Barton County Special Services), Travis Straub (Great Bend High School), Holly Tittel (Great Bend Middle School), and Khris Thexton (District Education Center).
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.