by DEAN CLOSE 

News Editor

The Vinton-Shellsburg School District will lose some of its longest-serving educators in the early retirement program at the end of this school year. 

Middle School principal Mike Timmermans, Middle School Band Director Judy Trygstad, Kindergarten teacher Jane Schminke and High School Ag/FFA instructor Duane Fisher all notified the school board that they plan to take the early retirement option at the end of this school year. 

Together the four of them have more than 130 years of teaching experience in the district. 

"I had Mrs. Schminke for my second grade teacher, Mr. Timmermans was my gym teacher and Mr. Fisher was my ag teacher," said school board member Todd Wiley during the board's meeting Monday night. 

Several of those who are retiring this year have taught in the local schools long enough to become the teachers of the children of their earlier students. 

The school board is in the midst of changing its early retirement policy. Teachers who choose the early retirement option this year will receive benefits under the old policy. 

Here is the complete list of teachers and support staff members who requested early retirement so far this year:

Ray Bookmeier, custodian, middle school.

Rosalee Sturtz, teacher associate at Tilford. 

Terese Husnik, teacher associat at Tilford.

Deanne Henkle, central office secretary. 

Mary Geater, middle school secretary. 

Colleen Dwars, kindergarten teacher, Shellsburg. 

Kristie Davis, fourth grade teacher, Tilford.

Pauline Elwick, librarian, Shellsburg and Tilford.

"After 32 years, I can still honestly say I love my job," wrote Elwick, in her letter to the board and Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock. "I still love to teach students how and where to locate information and to instill in them an appreciation of all types of literature. I feel that this is essential if we want our students to become successful in whatever they choose for their futures. I hope that my replacement will feel the same way about teaching these things to children as I do." 

Fisher thanked the school board and Hainstock  for their support of agricultural education, and hoped that support would continue after he has retired.

"My sincere hope and trust is that this school district will do what is needed to continue the positive opportunities for current and future students through the Ag/FFA program," he wrote. 

The Vinton-Shellsburg Education Association will formally honor all retirees at the end of the school year.