Union School Board, District Recognizes Retiring Faculty, Staff

The Union R-XI School Board and district administration officially recognized retiring staff members at Wednesday night’s board meeting.

Superintendent Steve Bryant said the eight retirees represented a combined 137 years of experience for the school district.

Jane Tanner, a high school science teacher, was the retiree with the most years of service with the district, retiring after 26 years.

Brenda Cameron, a fellow high school science teacher, retired after 17 years.

Teacher Patrick Downs retired after 17 years as well.

Cristine Metts, a third-grade teacher at Central Elementary, also is retiring at the end of this school year. She has been with the district for 23 years.

Cheryl Shollenberger, music teacher at Central Elementary, is retiring after 18 years with the district.

Norman Schroeder, the district’s maintenance department supervisor, also is retiring. He worked for the Union district for 22 years.

“You all should be very proud of the positive impact you’ve made on students,” Bryant said.

Gary Menke, middle school principal, and Dennis Lottmann, high school principal, both are retiring at the end of the current school year as well.

Menke was with the district for four years. Lottmann was with the district for 10 years.

Lottmann will be the new principal at Immaculate Conception School, a private Catholic elementary in Union, starting later this year.

The school board accepted letters of resignation from many of the retirees in March.

Bryant recognized each retiree with a plaque and other small gifts, including a card for free access to district events.