Coastal Ridge Elementary School Facility Manager Ken Doty, Sr., retiring after 25 years, is honored by Principal Sean Murphy and the school's staff and students with the yearbook dedication at the final assembly of the academic year on June 19.
Photo by Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - Together, they have served local students for almost a century and a half.
With the ending of the current academic year came a time not only for students to say goodbye to their current teachers, to look forward to a new year in a new grade and to plan summer activities with friends and family, but also a time to honor those teachers and staff members who were retiring after literally scores of years of service to the York School Department.
When the York School Committee held its final meeting of the academic year on June 18, the evening began with a time to recognize retiring teachers and staff members - each of whom had spent more than 20 years working in the local schools.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Scipione spoke of the five retirees leaving the York School Department at year's end as truly exceptional employees as he announced the retirements of Coastal Ridge Elementary School Facility Manager Ken Doty, Sr., completing 25 years with the York Schools; York High School Director of Student Services Rob Butler, retiring with 23 years of service; Sue Randolph, a York High School social studies teacher retiring after 27 years; Don Harmon, a science teacher at York High School, retiring with 28 years, and Don Waters, also a science teacher at the school, with 39 years of service.
"They clearly are people who have distinguished themselves as committed to our schools and the students that we serve," Scipione said.
School Committee Chairman Marilyn Zotos echoed that praise, thanking each of the staff members for their kindness to York's students.
Doty, Butler and Randolph each spoke a bit about their time with the York Schools.
"It's been an honor and privilege for me to serve the town of York and the school system this long," Doty said. "I've appreciated it each and every day... I enjoy the staff and the children very much."
One day later, at Coastal Ridge Elementary School's end-of-year assembly, Doty was honored by those students and his fellow staff members with the dedication of the elementary school yearbook in his honor.
At the School Committee's meeting, Butler, too, said he has enjoyed his work in the York Schools, and with consulting work he will be doing part-time in retirement, added, "You're going to see me around a bit next year."
Randolph, who has taught almost every imaginable discipline within high school social studies - from American studies to psychology to sociology - also spoke of her love of her work.
"It was fun, because they're all so different," she said of the classes she has taught. "It's been a really good time. I've enjoyed it."
Teaching in another state for nine years before coming to York, Randolph said of York High School, "I have many memories - all good. ... My special memory is that it's home."
