Stockbridge Community Schools bids farewell to well-loved staff members

 by Amy Haggerty and Mary Jo David

The end of the schoolyear is a bittersweet time. There’s excitement and jubilation as kids—not to mention, staff—step out into the sunshine and the promise of all that summertime offers. But summer also brings with it the sadness of saying “goodbye” to teachers and staff who, after long and fulfilling careers, are ready to retire.

Stockbridge Schools bids a fond farewell to the following staff members. It’s impossible to adequately describe the lengthy careers of each of these individuals in a paragraph, but it’s important that we recognize them and let them know how much we appreciate the gifts they shared—with our children and the district. All six have been valued employees of Stockbridge Community Schools. They will be missed greatly and difficult to replace.

Jeff Lewis, Heritage custodian, retired in December 2023 after 25 years of service in the Stockbridge School District. A quiet, unassuming man, Lewis turned down an opportunity to be spotlighted in the Stockbridge Community News prior to his retirement. He is currently traveling, and indication that likely means he’s enjoying his retirement!

Michelle Burke retired in March. She arrived in Stockbridge in 1999 after teaching 6 years in Farmington Public Schools. Once here, she taught in three different elementary schools, including Howlett, Katz, and Smith, teaching kids ranging from Little Stars through second grade, and also music, STEM and STEAM.

Now retired, she enjoys adventures with her two grandchildren; riding her horse; traveling the lower 48 with her husband, Don; and relaxing at their home Up North on Lake Huron. In 2018, SCN published this feature on Burke.

Kim Carpenter retired in March 2024 as transportation director for Stockbridge schools. She began working in the district in 2001. She was always most proud of her two children. She is likely enjoying her time with family and making the most of stints spent camping in her trailer. Carpenter was known among the staff for her love of sunflowers!

Deanna Kruger retired at the end of the 2023/24 school year. She started out volunteering with the Stockbridge PTO. Eventually that morphed into working as a secretary at schools in the district and the district’s administrative office for 27 years. She is recognized by everyone who ever had to step foot in these offices, as she made it her business to warmly greet and welcome staff, students, and visitors. A great problem-solver, Kruger has shouldered many project responsibilities over the years. She is a hometown girl who was born in France and, at a very young age, moved back with her parents and grew up in Gregory. As the mom of four grown children and two grandchildren (with another on the way), Kruger has retired to spend more time with family. She is quite formidable behind the wheel of her motor home, and she looks forward to plans for traveling with her parents, children, and friends. You can view 2020 Staff Spotlight featuring Kruger here.

Kathy Pierce also retired at the end of the 2023/24 school year. She has been with Stockbridge Schools since 1996. She came to the district as a 6th grade teacher and ended her career as a 4th grade teacher. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has taken on the yearbook and other tasks. Those who have worked with her over the years, appreciate her calming presence in whatever grade she is a part of. To put her influence into perspective, the first class Pierce taught graduated in 2003 and the last class she taught will graduate in 2032! Check out this Staff Spotlight of Kathy Pierce.

Jodie Jacobs retired at the end of the 2023/24 school year from the Stockbridge Community Schools food service team. She was the lead cook at Heritage School. Her fun reputation at the school lives on. She loves to paint rocks, and over the years, painted a number of them. Staff at Heritage would hide the rocks Jacobs painted for students to have to find.

Michelle Burke taught students ranging from Little Stars through second grade, and also music, STEM and STEAM. Photo provided by Michelle Burke

As transportation director, Kim Carpenter was responsible for ensuring that Stockbridge area kids made it to and from school safely on district buses. Photo provided by SCS.

Fourth grade teacher Kathy Pierce (left) and school secretary Deanna Kruger (right) were honored together after long and noteworthy careers at Heritage School. Photo provided by Deanna Kruger

The lead cook at Heritage School, Jacobs’ final year began with helping to prepare the 2023/34 Welcome Back Staff Breakfast. Photo credit: Mary Jo David