This year, San Marin put out an incentive for teachers to retire, which happens every few years. Previously, the district has organized the incentive package project themselves. For the first time, the district hired the Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) to establish the program and send out the incentive packages to eligible candidates. It encourages older teachers with more experience to retire by paying them a bonus of 70% of their yearly salary. In order to qualify, the staff member must be at least 55 years old and have 15 years of experience in the district.
“The goal is to save money because teachers who have more education and experience are more expensive than teachers directly out of college,” science teacher Timothy Blok said. With this incentive, some teachers have chosen to retire or resign.
“A pro is, if you are of the thought to retire, this would be enough to push you off the edge and sign that paper. It also sets a precedent that you wouldn’t retire until the district offers one of these programs,” Blok said. It’s time to say goodbye to some of the staff members not returning for the 2024-2025 school year.
John Sanderbeck and Steve Lamott
John Sanderbeck, a resource teacher, is retiring after over 20 years in the district, seven of which were spent at San Marin. Sanderbeck looks forward to doing work around his property and taking some additional classes. He intends to return and substitute.
“I really enjoy being around students and working with other staff here. It’s a very exciting and dynamic place to be,” Sanderbeck said.
Rotary award-winning Steve Lamott, a close friend of Sanderbeck’s and special education teacher, is also retiring.
“I wanted to stay two more years because I had a bunch of wise-guy sophomores that challenged me to retire early. So, my plan was to retire when those boys graduated,” Lamott said. However, with the encouragement of his family, Lamott decided to accept the incentive. They will both miss San Marin’s environment and students.
Mary McGurke
English teacher Mary McGurke accepted the district incentive to resign. McGurke has been a teacher at the district for 12 years, four of which were spent at San Marin and the other eight at Sinaloa Middle School. She is planning on returning to teaching someday as her career is far from over. As McGurke concludes her final year at San Marin, she will miss the students and staff.
“I’m calling it my adult gap year,” McGurke said. “I hadn’t thought of leaving, other than my AVID seniors are leaving this year and I selfishly followed them because I love them. The incentive made me think… let’s see what happens.”
Jeanie Olian
Jeanie Olian is also retiring after a long and fulfilling career as one of the two attendance managers at San Marin. She may return at some point to substitute.
“My oldest grandson is going to first grade and I want to spend more time with the grandkids,”
Olian said. “I’m going to miss [the students] so much!”
Lisa Walera
After 16 years working at the front office, Lisa Walera, the office manager, will be transitioning into her retirement. From greeting students to supporting San Marin’s successes, Walera has enjoyed every day. She wishes the school community good luck in the future and promises to visit.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Walera said. “It’s been great working with the teachers. They all are like family to me and the kids have been a joy. It’s time to move on and enjoy my retirement. I just hope someone waters my plants for me.”
