By Donovan Darling
The Mountain Times
With a staggering 184 years of combined experience, nine talented local individuals are saying farewell this summer at Oregon Trail School District and they will surely be missed. Whether it’s in the classroom, the main office or behind the scenes, running a public education system takes an entire village. Having touched the lives of thousands of students and parents over the years, some for over three decades, it’s finally time for their retirement and the next great chapter of their lives.
The formative years spent in school have a huge impact on how and who we grow up to become — our dreams, goals, professions, you name it — and just as important are the adults we surround ourselves with during that time. This is the village that essentially raises the children in our community when they’re away from home. They’re pillars of the educational system who often go unnoticed and unnamed, especially behind the scenes, and they deserve to be recognized for their impact on and service to the local community. They support and educate tomorrow’s society — leaders, makers, fixers, creatives — and literally shape the future.
The folks we are saying goodbye to, spanning from the Business Office, District Office, Student Services, Sandy High School and Cedar Ridge Middle School, include Debbie Breck, Cathee Brown, Philip Dodge, Paul Felstiner, Lugene Fulton, Diane Johnson, Julia Monteith, Cherree Petronek and Mark Schaffer.
Julia Montieth served the District Office for 32 incredible years. Cathee Brown served the Business Office for 30 faithful years. Diane Johnson served Sandy High School for 22 years, while Paul Felsteiner served Sandy High School for 21 years. Mark Schaffer served the Business Office for 20 years, while Debbie Breck served for 16 years. Cherree Petronek served Student Services for 19 whopping years. Lugene Fulton served Cedar Ridge Middle School for 18 faithful years. And last but not least, Philip Dodge served Facilities for 6 years. If you see these folks in the community, give them a hearty thank you for their service and contribution to the local community for so many years.
Superintendent Aaron Bayer had this to say: “The Oregon Trail School District boasts the finest teachers, support staff, classified employees and administrators in the state. Their immeasurable contributions impact the lives of every student in the district and help put them on a path to the future they deserve. We sincerely thank all the retirees for their years of service and wish them the very best for many years to come.”
When asked to reflect on her experience and her plans for the future, Cathee Brown said, “I feel very blessed to have had a career that I enjoy and it has been a pleasure to have served in this community. I want to spend more time with my family. If you want to get your smile on, just spend time with little kids!”
Julia Monteith had this to say: “It feels good to leave my position in great hands with Garth Guibord. OTSD has become a standout district in Oregon, and it has been an honor to work with the outstanding staff who make it all happen for our students.” As for her retirement, she’s still working part-time with the district and plans to eventually move to her family’s property in Simcoe Highlands, Washington.
Each of us can likely name a teacher who made an impact in our lives. Maybe it was one semester, one school day, even one singular moment, or a series of small moments, when our lives were irrevocably changed. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or even educational — support, whether a pat on the back or an uplifting comment — can set us on an upward trajectory to a better life. And the folks behind the scenes — giving our teachers the support they need — are just as essential to our children’s lives. From all of us at The Mountain Times and the community you have served and touched with your tireless dedication and service, thank you and good luck!