Parkland Losing 714 Years of Education Experience

Two dozen educators, with a combined 714 years of teaching experience, will retire from the Parkland School District this year.

The school board on Wednesday night approved the retirements, which go into effect at the end of the year.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak called it a "bittersweet" moment.

The teachers' contract gives them until mid-January to notify the district of retirements, which is why so many were up for consideration at once, said Nicole McGalla, the district's director of community relations and development.

The retirees include Ironton Elementary Principal Lynette Smith, who has been with Parkland for 29 years (36 years in total), and Louise Fick, the supervisor of special education, who has been with the district for 19 years (32 years in education).

Also retiring:

• Debra Steely, vocal music teacher, Cetronia
• Nancy Penrose, learning support, Fogelsville
• Stephanie Sellers, librarian, Fogelsville
• Helma Rosenthal, guidance counselor, Fogelsville
• Gary Arbogast, high school social studies teacher
• Sharon Gombotz, high school math teacher
• John Mondschein, high school business teacher
• Edward Quinter, high school German teacher
• Duane Ashenfalder, high school biology teacher
• James Morgans, high school phys ed teacher
• Nancy Alpago, art teacher, Ironton
• Monica Berger, fifth grade teacher, Kernsville
• Diane Mucellin, autistic support, Kernsville
• Barbara Hudak, third grade teacher, Kernsville
• Brenda Bolasky, reading specialist, Orefield
• Debra Barhight, speech therapist, Parkway Manor
• Kathleen Bowen, second grade teacher, Parkway Manor
• Anne Loch, fourth grade teacher, Parkway Manor
• Kathy Monahan, first grade teacher, Parkway Manor
• Wendy Lesser, fourth grade teacher, Schnecksville
• Deborah Madey, vocal music teacher, Schnecksville
• John Marcante, middle school study skills teacher