Congratulations, 2024-25 Retirees!

We want to recognize these dedicated employees - not only for their years of service to our District and our students, but as our friends and colleagues, who are forever a part of our legacy.

We send a warm congratulations and a sincere thank you out to ALL of our retirees. You will be missed!

At the School Board meeting on May 15th we had the opportunity to recognise our retirees and celebrate with them!

Certificated teacher

42 years in education

42 years with BSD

Mary began with Bremerton School District in 1983 working as a substitute, but was soon hired for a 7th/8th grade position at Bremerton Middle School. The buildings and locations have changed over the years, but Mary has stayed with the middle schoolers, teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies. She is currently the ELA Team Lead at Mountain View Middle School.

Mary has enjoyed the 8th Grade level at Mountain View Middle school for the challenge of assisting the students to be prepared for high school socially, emotionally and academically. She said, “It is important because I want them to feel success as a freshman, and challenge themselves in 8th grade. I want them to be confident when they step into 9th Grade English, and they know what it takes to be a student.” Having grown up in Bremerton, Mary loves the community and she wanted to make a difference in students' lives. “Whatever their circumstances are, it is not forever, and they can have a good future if they get an education,” Mary said.

In her retirement, Mary plans to travel with her sisters and spend time with her kids and grandson. She also plans to figure out another way to give back to Bremerton by volunteering.

Certificated teacher

34 years in education

13 years with BSD

Before coming to the Bremerton School District, Annette began her career in 1991 as a Special Education Teacher in Oregon and South Kitsap School Districts for 16 years. She then took the role of an Instructional Specialist in Special Education with South Kitsap for 5 additional years.

In 2012, Annette was hired as the Dean of Students for Mountain View Middle School, which then became an Assistant Principal position the following year. She was on the Mountain View staff for 6 years and she oversaw the Special Education and Science departments, as well as their schoolwide safety and Smarter Balanced testing.

In 2020, Annette joined Bremerton High School as the Integrated Life Skills teacher where she collaborates with peers and administrators to improve instructional practices and student learning. She looks at the big picture and needs of each individual student, finding ways to integrate the students into the community.

Annette has enjoyed all of her different roles in education and creating experiences for students that they otherwise might not have.

Camping, gardening and not commuting are on the top of Annette’s retirement plans.

Supervisor of School Safety and Support

42 years in education

42 years with BSD

In 1983, Patty accepted her first position with Bremerton School District as a clerk/typist at Kitsap Peninsula Vocational Skills Center. Over the years she has worked in numerous programs as she advanced to Secretary positions and Office Coordinator in Special Services. Patty became the Program and Grants Specialist in 2002, which was a new position that required her to be creative, organized and willing to figure out how to best oversee these programs. Patty did this with her “glass half full” attitude and eagerness to learn new things and systems.

When Patty moved into her next role of community services coordinator/assistant to the Superintendent in 2008, she was once again in a newly created position with several responsibilities that she excelled at with “energy, passion and style.” As she continued in the Superintendent’s office, her positions changed to community relations coordinator, community services coordinator, public information officer, and her final position is the Supervisor of Safety and Support for the district.

“Each position had its perks, problems and stimulating challenges, Patty said. "I've enjoyed finding creative solutions that support both students and colleagues. I felt most valued and important to the district as the Supervisor of School Safety.”

Her time at BSD is a reflection of her deep love and commitment to the students and people here; but Patty is very much looking forward to retirement and the opportunity to travel around the country with her husband and spend more time with her grandkids.

Assistant principal secretary

30 years in Education

30 years with BSD

Brenda’s first role in Bremerton School District was at Olympic View Elementary as a Paraeducator from 1986-1992. She left the district for a few years and returned in 2001 as the Attendance Secretary at Bremerton Junior High School. She moved into the Secretary to the Assistant Principal at that location in 2003 and to Mountain View Middle School in 2005 as the Counseling Secretary. She later accepted the Assistant Principal Secretary position at Mountain View Middle School in 2014, which also includes being the Activities Secretary.

During her time in the middle schools, Brenda was noted as being dedicated and taking pride in her work, often taking professional development to improve her skills. She is competent, organized and a team player. Brenda has a pleasant, warm manner and developed relationships with students, staff and families.

Brenda said that she enjoyed working with middle schoolers, and “loved building relationships and watching them mature from squirrely nervous 6th graders to preparing for the leap to high school.” Working in education is an opportunity to connect with young people and help them navigate this often confusing world.

Brenda knows circumstance can change in a moment and said she’s going to focus on being present. With her time in retirement, Brenda said she will continue to enjoy gardening, the outdoors and her family as much as possible.

Transportation mechanic coordinator

14 Years in education

14 Years with BSD

Peter joined Bremerton School District in 2011 as a substitute bus driver and was hired as a full-time position in 2012. He was promoted to the mechanic coordinator position in 2022. While doing the coordinator position, he is often driving bus routes when coverage is needed. He is commended as being able to balance both of these responsibilities well. His organizational skills and attention to detail have shined and led to an improvement in the level of bus maintenance during his time in the role.

Learning American Sign Language to be able to communicate with the students on his route is one example of Peter’s work ethic and desire to do the job right. He is described by his supervisor as an excellent bus driver and maintenance supervisor. When asked why he works for the district, Peter said, “It is simple: the kids and all the people involved - good and bad.”

For retirement, Peter said, “I am very passionate about my horses and farm. I plan to enjoy this passion to the fullest, plus to fulfill my bucket list of travels world wide.”

Certificated teacher

36 years in education

35 years with BSD

Imagine being able to make your living doing something you absolutely love! Beth Kilday has done just that for the last 36 years. After a year in California, Beth came to Bremerton where she has been sharing her love of science with our middle schoolers since 1990.

Using her knowledge and skill in teaching, Beth shares her passion for the wonders of the universe with her students, helping them to learn and be curious about the world around them. Energetic and enthusiastic, Beth eagerly takes on additional duties and collaborates with her peers to improve instructional practices and better the science program. She willingly shares her love of teaching by mentoring new teachers, showing them how to challenge the students to work hard and how to communicate to them her belief in their ability to succeed. Beth is known for her positive communication, and her ability to recognize each individual’s unique background.

When asked what she has enjoyed about teaching, Beth replied “I love these young people. I want them to be happy, healthy adults. I hope I have played a small part in making that happen.”

Beth is looking forward to spending time with family in retirement.

Paraeducator

37 years in education

23 years with BSD

Sharifa was hired as a Paraeducator for Special Education in 2002 and she has worked at Bremerton Junior High, West Hills STEM Academy, Mountain View Middle School and is now at Naval Avenue Elementary. Her current position is a General Education Paraeducator in the kindergarten classrooms.

Before coming to Bremerton, Sharifa was a Senior Science Teacher at the Bangladesh Navy School, where she taught math, art and science at the elementary and high school levels for 14 years.

Sharifa has found working in the kindergarten classes for the last 10 years to be very rewarding since these students are learning how to interact with others in a school environment for the first time. She enjoys seeing the spark in their eyes, their curiosity and fostering a sense of joy. She said that there are so many stories!

Sharifa comes from a family of educators and says it is in their blood. She enjoys watching the students progress.

In retirement, Sharifa is looking forward to visiting lots of family in different states by traveling with her husband and their tiny home, which is her husband's new project. She also plans to get more engaged in art.

Child Nutrition Services

15 years in education

15 years with BSD

Dana began working for Child Nutrition Services (CNS) in 2010 as the server/floater working in many different schools. She spent most of her years as a server at Bremerton High School and Naval Avenue Elementary.

Dana has been an asset to the CNS department due to her hard work, dependability, excellent attendance and “get it done” attitude. Dana has very high expectations for herself and it showed in her work.

When Dana began working with the Bremerton School District, her son was very active in sports. The work schedule, which included holidays and summers off, worked well for her family.

Dana’s plans for retirement include an upcoming trip to Peru and their son’s wedding which will be in the Dominican Republic.

Child Nutrition Services

9 years in education

9 years with BSD

Emma joined BSD’s Child Nutrition Services (CNS) in 2016 as a server, then later added secondary assistant cook to her duties at Mountain View Middle School and the central kitchen locations.

Emma is a valued member of CNS due to her quality work and positive attitude. She knows her job well and is thorough, efficient and has excellent time management. Emma is self-motivated and always willing to step up when problems arise.

Emma says that it is all about the kids! She works well with the students and the staff. In retirement, Emma plans to travel and spend time with her family.

Counselor

36 years in education

34 years with BSD

In 1989, Karla was hired as a teacher at the Morgan Center School. She also taught at Bremerton Middle School and Mountain View Middle school before taking a position as an interventionist at Kitsap Lake Elementary in 1995. Karla took a leave of absence in 1998 and worked in South Carolina for two years as a clinical counselor working with youth.

Karla returned to Bremerton in 2000 as an elementary interventionist until 2002 when she accepted the position as a counselor at Bremerton Junior High School and then Mountain View Middle School. During her time at Mountain View, she has held many additional roles: leadership advisor, assessment coordinator, ASB advisor, mentor and ER team member - just to name a few. They have appreciated her “can-do” positive attitude and initiative in working collaboratively with others to better their students’ lives. She is prepared and responsive to emerging situations, mediates conflicts and is a consummate educator.

“I love being a counselor, it is the best job in the schools, Karla said. “Middle school is where I belong. It is so much fun to watch kids change from babies to teenagers who can think for themselves and get my weird sense of humor.” Karla loves the kids and the privilege to be part of their world, watching them grow and having them come back and share about their lives after middle school. She has also enjoyed programs like AVID and WEB which improve the culture and climate at the buildings.

Karla is looking forward to peace & quiet, traveling with her husband and not having structure in life.

Certificated teacher

37 years in education

21 years with BSD

In 1987, Kelly began teaching at a private school in San Diego, CA. After a few military moves, Kelly’s family came to the Kitsap area. Her first work with Bremerton School District was in 2004 as a substitute teacher. Kelly was also active as a part-time teacher, guest teacher, and kindergarten cadre team member with Central Kitsap School District, and a lead teacher for Head Start preschool with Kitsap Community Resources.

Kelly was hired as a special education teacher for View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy in 2015 and has worked as both a resource room and integrated skills program teacher. Her ability to choose strategies and approaches to help strengthen students’ understanding of concepts and a supportive climate for student learning were beneficial for her classes. She fostered strong relationships with her students and families. Kelly is a strong advocate for all students, not just those in her classroom.

Kelly said that she enjoys the big and little “A-ha” moments that students have when learning, and she feels blessed to have an incredible support staff and paraeducators.

Kelly will be spending time with family, traveling and enjoying having her weekends back during retirement.

Groundskeeper

12 years in education

12 years with BSD

Ken came to Bremerton School District after working for Sears Automotive and Warehouse for 36 years. He began in 2013 as a general helper with the Maintenance Department. He accepted the groundskeeper position in 2018 and continued to be reliable and show up to do his job with a smile, “rain or shine.”

Ken was noted as being very knowledgeable in all aspects of his work and particularly with the equipment and tools needed for the jobs.

Ken’s retirement began in October, and was unavailable for comment

Certificated teacher

40 years in education

37 years with BSD

Susie jumped into education in 1985 and worked for South Kitsap and Bremerton School Districts as a substitute and in some part-time positions. In 1987-88 Susie was hired as a part-time physical education (PE) teacher for Olympic View Elementary, which became a full-time position in 1989. The first Olympic View School closed its doors, but Susie remained at the second Olympic View as the PE teacher until it was closed in 2004. Her organization and fun loving attitude made PE a class to remember at Olympic View.

View Ridge Elementary Arts Academy was Susie’s new assignment as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher in 2004. She served 19 years in this capacity, but then returned to PE in 2022 to finish out her career. With the current View Ridge building closing its doors soon, it will be the third time Susie has been involved in closing down a building!

Anyone who has seen Susie teach would tell you that she loves her job, and has the ability to relate new topics to students' interests and strengths. Susie said that she “enjoyed all of her students” and “what better job than teaching those who are our future.”

Now that Susie will have more time she plans to “perhaps travel and do some gardening.”

Note: Some retirees have opted out of participating in District retiree recognition activities and are therefore not included in this newsletter.

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