A Legacy of Impact and Dedication

Seattle Public Schools proudly celebrates the retirement of more than 60 remarkable individuals whose careers have left an indelible mark on our students, schools, and community. These educators, administrators, support staff, and district leaders have collectively dedicated hundreds of years to nurturing minds, fostering growth, and building a brighter future for generations of SPS students.

From classrooms to cafeterias, from playgrounds to conference rooms, each retiree has contributed uniquely to the SPS mission of excellence and equity in education. Their commitment, compassion, and resilience have shaped the lives of countless students and inspired colleagues across the district.

Among this year’s honorees are:

• Teachers with decades of service, including those who have spent over 40 years in the classroom, guiding students with wisdom and heart.
• Support staff and specialists who have ensured our schools run smoothly and inclusively, from special education assistants to bilingual aides.
• District leaders and behind-the-scenes heroes who have managed operations, budgets, and student services with dedication and care.

To honor their achievements, SPS hosted a retirement celebration at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence in June. This heartfelt event brought together colleagues, families, and community members to express gratitude and celebrate the legacy of these outstanding individuals.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary group, we extend our deepest thanks for their service and wish them joy, rest, and new adventures in retirement. Their legacy will continue to inspire the SPS community for years to come.

Congratulations, 2024–25 SPS retirees—you will always be part of the Seattle Public Schools family.

50+ Years of Service

Kathy A. Gallichan, Accounting Analyst (51 years)

40-49 Years of Service

Brenda A. Fontenot, Elementary School Assistant – West Seattle Elementary (46)
Sheila L. Wan, Paraprofessional – Kimball Elementary (43)
Patrick Chan, Facilities Supervisor (42)
Keith Richardson, Special Education Assistant – Ingraham High School (41)

30-39 Years of Service

Lisa A. Calvert, Teacher – Thornton Creek Elementary (39)
Mary Correa, Professional Development School Coach – Early Literacy (39)
Richard S. Damon, Teacher – Franklin High School (39)
Toni D. O’Neal, PGES Consulting Teacher (39)
Gary W. Cranston, Digital Learning Instructor (38)
Lori H. Yorde, Teacher – Montlake Elementary (37)
Gerald R. Laigo, Teacher – Wing Luke Elementary (34)
Binh Van Quach, Custodial Engineer – Loyal Heights Elementary (34)
William H. Butler, Teacher – Seattle World School (33)
Benjamin Lloyd Davis, Librarian – Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary (33)
Mary Wilson, Administrative Secretary, Denny International Middle School (33)
Shannon M. Conner, Principal – McClure Middle School (32)
Amy E. Donoghue, Teacher – Madison Middle School (31)
Mari E. Ingram, Teacher – McClure Middle School (31)
Martin E. Floe, Principal – Ingraham High School (30)
Tracy L. Wallschlaeger, Business Analyst – Student Systems and Support (30)

20-29 Years of Service

Jennifer L. Hall, Teacher – West Seattle High School (29)
Donna Rodenberg, Teacher – Gatewood Elementary (28)
Teresa Swanson, Student Support Services Supervisor (28)
John M. Cerqui, Deputy General Counsel (27)
Joseph P. Kelly, PGES Consulting Teacher (27)
Xuan T. Pham, Custodial Engineer – Interagency (27)
Melodie L. Baker, Paraprofessional (26)
Hung Gia Do, Head Assistant, Custodial Services (26)
Narcita C. Eugenio, Student and Family Advocate – ELL & International Programs (26)
Mary Jo Gallagher, Teacher – Kimball Elementary (26)
Christine E. McFerran, Teacher – James Baldwin Elementary (26)
Cynthia M. Nitz, Communication Disorder Specialist – Speech Language (26)
Sylvia C. Ruud, Kitchen Assistant Manager – Culinary Services (26)
Jesus Vargas, Bilingual Instructional Assistant – Denny International Middle School (25)
Tingyu Wang, Capital Planning Analyst (25)
Acquinetta Williams, Family Support Specialist (25)
Nancy L. Hoflack, Assistant Custodian – Hamilton International Middle School (24)
Anne M. Meyer, Kitchen Assistant – Culinary Services (24)
Minh Thanh To, Custodial Engineer – Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary (24)
Jean M. Nelson, Teacher – Olympic View Elementary (23)
Craig E. Murphy, Purchasing Manager (21)
Douglas L. Allison, Occupational Therapist (20)
Brian Vo, Mechanical Coordinator – Environmental Services (20)

10-19 Years of Service

Selina Anettea Jackson, School Assistant – Lafayette Elementary (19)
Carolyn M. Hostetler, School Assistant – North Beach Elementary (17)
Michael J. Davidson, Special Education Assistant (16)
Alison J. Cohon, Teacher – John Muir Elementary (16)
Pamela K. McCowan-Conyers, Principal – West Seattle Elementary (15)
William D. Easter, Teacher – Chief Sealth International High School (15)
Luz Torres-Marquez, Bilingual Instructional Assistant – Broadview-Thomson K-8 (14)
Kristin J. Schwab, Teacher, Olympic View Elementary (14)
Kenneth Fred Koll, Senior Gardener – Grounds/Sports Complexes (14)
Janett M. Du Bois, Teacher – Garfield High School (11)
Victoria L. Adair, Special Education Assistant (11)
Carla M. Lieberman, Teacher – Jane Addams Middle School (10)
Mitchell Brian Forman, Assistant Custodian – Memorial Stadium (10)
Wendy E. Cwinar, Psychologist (10)

1-9 Years of Service

Cindy D. Weiser Kornbluh, Teacher – Olympic View Elementary (9)
Elizabeth M. Andrews, Special Education Assistant – Denny International Middle School (9)
Ilknur Lee, Classroom Assistant – Head Start (8)
Deborah L. Northern, Project-Program Coordinator – Capital Projects (7)
Marie L. Jacobs, Special Education Assistant – Mercer International Middle School (7)
Celeste Petersen, Kitchen Assistant Manager – Whitman Middle School (6)
Gloria E. Downie, Bilingual Instructional Assistant – Green Lake Elementary (4)
Michael P. Gallagher, Teacher – Hamilton International Middle School (2)