Congratulations, 2025-26 Retirees!

Spring is a time of the year for celebrations in the Bremerton School District - both for students and for our teachers and staff. 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 21st we had the opportunity to recognize our retirees and celebrate with them! We invite you to view photos from the event. If you have photos to share, please send them to Communications@BremertonSchools.org.

Teacher - Reading

34 years in education

9 years with BSD

Maria started her career in education teaching Literacy Development for K-8 teachers in training at Arizona State University. She then put those skills to use and spent the rest of her career teaching individuals of all ages to read, write, and to appreciate literature in English - something that is near and dear to her heart. After spending 15 years overseas teaching English Language Learners from kindergarten age through college, she returned to the United States and came to the Bremerton School District.

Maria worked at West Hills Elementary and Mountain View Middle School as a Reading Specialist for grades K-6, ELA teacher for 7th grade, ELA Co-teacher for Second Language Learners, and most recently as a Latin American Culture and Traditions teacher.

When asked, Maria said her favorite time at BSD was when she co-taught literacy development from Kindergarten through fourth grade. She enjoyed partnering with excellent teachers and helping students learn their letters and sounds, learn how to read, and learn to love books. For her, the little children were so much fun to work with and they were so sweet and loving.

Maria believes being able to read and write is fundamental to life learning. This translates into her love of literacy development and supporting students, no matter what age.

In retirement, Maria plans to move to the Bay Area in California, where she has good friends and family. Maria says she is looking forward to her partner joining her, kayaking bay area waters, weaving, and just thriving!

Bus Driver

17 years in education

8.5 years with BSD

A student's first and last contact with school every day is their bus driver. And that contact can set the tone or ease the trials of the day. In Dan’s nine years driving for us he demonstrated how important it is to have a good relationship with the students. His previous experience as a teacher, school administrator and pastor was evident in his excellent ability to communicate with students and parents. This resulted in a bus of well behaved students who respected the rules, a well run route and a safer ride for all concerned. Dan consistently kept good route records and kept his bus in good condition.

His plans for retirement are unknown at this time, though it is likely that he will be enjoying his time off and continuing his volunteer work for various organizations.

Teacher - Dual Language

29 years in education

11 years with BSD

Salli began her education career teaching music theory at the University of Nebraska. She then took a break during which time she acquired a Master of Arts in Teaching. She worked as a para for ten years and taught first grade for five years in Omaha. In 2015 she moved to the Kitsap Peninsula and joined the staff at Armin Jahr where she taught first grade for nine years - the last four of which were in the Dual Language program. In 2024, while staying in the Dual Language Program, Salli undertook a new challenge – teaching fourth grade. It soon became her favorite grade when she discovered she loved teaching division and fractions!

Salli is known for being a highly motivated, knowledgeable and collaborative teacher who strives to build systems of support for staff and students. Serving a number of committees throughout the year, Salli works to make sure all staff feel like they belong and know they are significant to the work being done at the school.

Salli states her love of teaching started way back when she was twelve and began teaching piano. She has been rewarded throughout her career seeing kids advance in their understanding of academics, their skills and of themselves.

Her plans for retirement include joining a book club, traveling to see her grandkids and, not surprisingly, subbing at Armin Jahr!

Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Business, Finance and Human Resources

23 years in education

23 years with BSD

Ioanna served as the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Business, Finance and Human Resources for 23 years. During this time, she provided continuity for those departments under five different bosses. Ioanna was also the facilitator and record keeping assistant for the Board of Directors for most of her tenure. She recently took over Public Records requests when a co-worker retired last spring. Further, Ioanna handled facility rentals and was a key figure in the organizing and running of a variety of charitable activities and staff social events.

Ioanna retired in November and was not available for comment.

Registered Nurse

14 years in education

14 years with BSD

Before Carolyn spent 14 years as a school nurse, she was a nurse in Elder & Adult care, mental health and rehab. She has also worked as a paraeducator, child care supervisor and a job developer for refugees - talk about training for working with students of all ages! Carolyn's extensive understanding of nursing practices and processes combined with her friendly, calm manner was invaluable in her training - whether it was new nurses on the intricacies of being a school nurse or students and teachers on the operation of various pieces of equipment students might need. Carolyn was known to be proactive for ensuring student needs would be met on field trips or at other school-wide events. Her ability to relate to a wide variety of people and backgrounds, helped to make her a great communicator with students, their families and staff.

Carolyn retired at the beginning of the school year and was not available for comment.

Paraeducator

28 years in education

28 years with BSD

Health Services Technician - ADM

21 years in education

21 years with BSD

Debra has worked in health care at some level or another for her entire career. She came to the Bremerton School District in 2005 as the Health Services Technician - ADM, a role she has been in ever since.

Deb’s knowledge of the health care field and her commitment to continued professional development enabled her to keep the entire department running smoothly. In addition to keeping records on incident reports, medical orders and special medical equipment needs, Deb excelled at coordinating with medical providers to ensure information was current and correct on all the student plans. Welcoming, positive and always prepared for the day that lay ahead, one could tell Deb cared about doing things well and doing them right. Over the years, she has worked all over the district as the Health Services main administrative office was moved around to several different sites. Her nurturing and supportive manner in all her dealings with students and staff, have provided a safe environment for all in dealing with their medical concerns.

Deb will tell you one of the things she enjoyed most was watching the students grow into themselves and who they will become in the future.

In retirement, she is planning on finding opportunities where she can apply her years of experience to help her community.

Bus Driver

11 years in education

11 years with BSD

Karl was a bus driver for the District for 11 years. He was known for being dependable, reliable and keeping his bus in good order. Karl was responsive to students and their needs. As a result, students responded to him and there developed good relationships between Karl and the students on his bus. His favorite routes were with the middle school and high school students. Karl was an all around good bus driver.

Karl retired at the beginning of the school year and was not available for comment.

Teacher - Language Arts

36 years in education

26 years with BSD

Patty has been in education for the past 36 years, and we have been fortunate to have such a dedicated and engaging teacher here at Bremerton School District since 2000. Patty started at Bremerton Junior High teaching English. Before she transitioned to the high school level in 2004, she had implemented a 9th grade Honors English program and developed a Beginning French class.

While at Bremerton High School, Patty continued to teach both regular and Honors English and added in American Literature, AP Language, AP Literature, Perspectives in English and Speech. Patty loved to teach and her favorite times were when a student, or better yet a whole class was inspired to explore more and discuss the issues of the topic or reading.

Patty challenged her students to rise to their own expectations, and created a positive learning environment open to a variety of interpretations of the material and encouraged higher level of thinking and respect for others. Highly collaborative, willing to take the initiative and do the hard work necessary to improve student learning, Patty strove to ensure all stakeholders were held accountable for the betterment of all; while being professional, ethical and fair in her dealings with students, parents and staff.

Patty believes citizenship in a democracy requires an educated population and she worked everyday to not only teach students critical thinking skills and how to express themselves, she let them know there’s a big, wide beautiful (and sometimes not so beautiful) world out there and they have the exciting option to be a part of it and to contribute to it.

In retirement, Patty is planning on writing a novel, traveling this beautiful world, reading more, and spending extra time with family and friends.

Teacher - Kindergarten

34 years in education

34 years with BSD

Carolyn has spent the last 34 years teaching our kindergarten and first graders at Crownhill Elementary. Her ability to build relationships with her students helped her efforts to create and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Carolyn regularly encouraged her students to move towards independence in their learning by gradually shifting responsibility to the kids when working in small groups.

Her belief that one of the most important aspects of teaching, especially at the beginning, is that learning can be fun has guided her throughout her teaching career and is exemplified in her creating a dinosaur dig for her students - her favorite activity for the last 25 years. Additionally, during her time with us Carolyn developed a writing program for kindergarteners and a new reading curriculum for these early learners.

Carolyn’s calm demeanor and quiet leadership was demonstrated over and over when she served as a mentor for new teachers and hosted student teachers. A valued and experienced member of the Crownhill team, Carolyn consistently shared her extensive knowledge of early childhood teaching practices.

She has also enjoyed the relationships she developed with her students and their families. Carolyn has made a difference in a number of lives and is very proud that some of her former students are now actively in Bremerton Schools through volunteering, holding PTA board positions and even working at Crownhill.

The thing she is most looking forward to in retirement is to have more time to spend with her family.

Teacher - Vocal Music

33 years in education

26 years with BSD

For the past 26 years, Wendy has been teaching our middle and high school students the joys of music to be found in singing and playing the piano. When Wendy moved to the high school in the fall of 2013, some of her middle school students got to continue experiencing her love and passion for music for another four years.

Wendy not only taught choir and piano, she also developed an adaptive music program to help bring the pleasures of creating and appreciating music to more students. Sometimes referred to as the “backbone” of the music department, Wendy tirelessly worked to provide her students with the skills and the opportunities to perform both in public concerts, school based concerts, at choral contests, and in musical productions. Throughout the years, Wendy has made memories in each building and each grade that she will cherish.

Her love of sharing her passion for music with her students and watching them grow into amazing young adults who have an appreciation for music is her “why” for teaching all these years. And she has had the added bonus of having students who make music their passion and/or career as well.

In retirement Wendy is looking forward to traveling more (and off season from the school calendar). She is also planning on spending more time with family and participating in other community musical opportunities as they are presented.

Benefits Specialist / Reception

10 years in education

5 years with BSD

After five years with the Bremerton School District, Stephenie is ending her career in Human Resources. Over the past 37 years, she has worked in manufacturing, retail, agriculture, healthcare, social services and education. Her favorite aspect of HR has always been employee benefits - from helping employees get enrolled to troubleshooting issues and concerns, and explaining what will happen when their coverage ends.

When asked, she will tell you she enjoys working behind the scenes helping to support those who are out there doing jobs she admires but couldn’t do herself, whether it’s building cars, pruning orange trees, working with the dying, child protection or other various jobs that keep our schools functioning smoothly.

First up in retirement is a grand trip with her, soon to be 90 year-old, mother to Florida and Colorado to visit mom’s sisters one last time. Then it’s back to Washington and the ubiquitous projects around the house. She also plans to spend more time with family and friends - especially those who live far away.

Custodian

12 years in education

12 years with BSD

Scott started with the district as a substitute custodian back in March of 2014. After a couple years of working wherever he was needed - including groundskeeping, Scott took a regular custodial position. He started with Bremerton High School, then moved over to West Hills STEM and finally, ending his time with us at Mountain View Middle School. Scott’s great attitude and willingness to help made him a good, and valuable team player. He took pride in providing a safe and clean learning environment for our students. Scott credits his grandmother, a retired cook at the High School, with bringing him to Bremerton and to the Bremerton School District. She convinced him Bremerton was a good place to live and the school district was a good place to work. And he’ll tell she was right on both counts.

In Retirement, Scott is looking forward to having more time to be with family and friends and to travel to his favorite places. And as THE number one Seahawks fan – GO HAWKS!

Office Coordinator

21 years in education

21 years with BSD

Alesa started with the Bremerton School District in the spring 2005 as a substitute paraeducator so she could be home when her girls were off from school. She enjoyed the work so much she became a regular paraeducator that fall and was still able to be there for her kids. Ten years later, Alesa transitioned to the office as a clerical assistant. She progressed up the ladder to Elementary Building Secretary and finally to Office Coordinator. Over her 21 years at Armin Jahr, she became a great resource for staff, students and families. Alsea also worked to coordinate the Volunteers at her school. She has a deep interest in the success of all people at Armin Jahr and works hard to support everyone.

Alesa will tell you she enjoyed each of her positions and being able to contribute and be a part of so many lives in our community. Her reason for staying in education grew with her from initially wanting to work but still be a mom to wanting to be a positive role model and make a difference in someone else’s life.

Alesa, and her husband Mike, are building a new home in Florida and will be moving there this summer. She is looking forward to decorating the new house, meeting new people, sitting around the pool and connecting with their east coast friends and family.

Education Resources Specialist

24 years in education

22 years with BSD

Karen spent 22 of her 24 years in education with the Bremerton School District. She spent her first two years at West Hills STEM, her final year at Naval Avenue and the 19 years in between she could be found at Armin Jahr Elementary. Karen worked as an Educational Resources Specialist, an SEL Teacher, and an Interventionist with the K-5 crowd. She provided support and resources for the students and their families to ensure student success.

A strong student advocate, Karen worked closely with teachers, support staff, and outside agencies to find ways to best serve our students. She helped students acquire the knowledge and skills to develop the necessary social and emotional skills to be successful members of the community. Karen was a motivated teacher who made it a priority to reach out to parents and get them involved in helping their kids with current behavioral performance issues. A true team player, Karen was a major asset to the schools she worked at and to the students and families she served.

Karen retired in December 2025 and was not available for comment.

Teacher - Kindergarten

25 years in education

25 years with BSD

Amy rounded out her 25 years in education teaching kindergarten at Crownhill for the last eight years. Before she arrived here she had spent a year in Japan and 15 years in Arizona. She has taught kindergarten, K/1, and 1st grade.

Though loving her experiences in each grade she taught, Amy believes Kindergarten has been her favorite. While it can be a challenging grade to teach, Amy found watching the amazing growth the children make as they progress through the year very rewarding. Teaching young learners brought joy, curiosity and fun to each day. Amy will also tell you her kindergarten classroom was a pretty great place to spend her days and that her colleagues at Crownhill were amazing humans and educators.

When asked about why she chose to teach, Amy replied “The children have always been my ‘why’.“ She voiced a deep held belief that if a child learns to love school and that learning is fun in their first years at school they will become life long learners. Amy worked to build a strong foundation for success for her students by helping them build foundational academic skills. She encouraged a love of learning and the joy of reading and writing and the importance of curiosity and exploring the world around you. She also believes that kindergarten is the place where children learn and practice social skills such as learning to have empathy for others, how to share, take turns, speak kindly, use manners, help others, and to be open to all of the wonderful things that are out there in this big world for them.

In retirement, in between time spent in Arizona to help care for her aging parents, Amy will be looking for ways to continue to work with children, enjoying spending time with family and friends, hiking, cooking, traveling, and pursuing some new hobbies. She will also continue her work to help fund research, participate in research studies, and help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease.

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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