Twenty-six Pella school employees retiring at the end of the school year will be recognized with a special community open house.

Superintendent Greg Ebeling says the impact of their departure will be felt and signifies a big change for the district moving forward.

The community is invited to honor this year’s retirees on Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Pella Community High School East gym.

The following staff members are retiring:

Janice Block – 24 yrs. (Teacher – Behaviorial Disorders)
Debra Burney – 24 yrs. (Custodian – Middle School)
Jim Emmert – 37 yrs. (Teacher – High School Art)
Tom (Red) Gaughan – 10 yrs. (Maintenance Technician)
Mark Goodrich – 20 yrs. (Teacher – Industrial Technology)
Donna Hasso – 14 yrs. (Teacher – Middle School Spanish)
Sue Hetland – 19 yrs. (Administrative Assistant)
Teresa Houser – 28 yrs. (Assistant Food Service Director)
Brian Huddle – 23 yrs. (Teacher – At-Risk)
Vicki Jones – 35 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Marla Kettler – 34 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Theresa Kohlhaas – 21 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary Special Education)
Karl Korver – 33 yrs. (Teacher – Middle School History)
Gina Linn – 26 yrs. (Teacher – High School English)
Becky Marlow – 25 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Sharon Miller – 15 yrs. (Administrative Assistant)
Jim Oliver – 28 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Kathy Pitkin – 33 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
John Rietveld – 33 yrs. (Maintenance – Assistant Supervisor)
Cheryl Roose – 33 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Mary Ann Sterling – 22 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary Art)
Janice Vander Streek – 26 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Kris Van Wyk – 21 yrs. (Associate – Elementary)
Mary Vaverka – 22 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Ann Vos – 22 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)
Kathy Vos – 36 yrs. (Teacher – Elementary)