Prince William County Schools losing 200+ employees to retirement

Across the School Division, more than 200 employees are clearing out their desks, turning in laptops, and saying goodbye to colleagues they have known for decades.

Celebrations at schools are but a memory as school-based retirees also say goodbye to students today, June 15, the last day of school. M

any in Central Offices,  such as Serena Suthers (39 years), director of School Food and Nutrition Services; Sherry Jones (41 years), buyer for Finance and Support Services, and Danny Armstrong (36 years), foreman in the Imaging Center, have celebrated in the Kelly Center atrium. Travel, time with grandchildren, and pursuit of hobbies will fill retirees’ agendas, with “sleeping in” at the top of the list for most.

With much fanfare and many tears and hugs, students and staff have bid farewell to beloved principals. Seven schools will see new leaders next school year.

Those retiring include Swans Creek Elementary Principal Barry Rosenberg, the longest-serving principal, at 31 years; Kirsten Fisher (18 years), Pattie Elementary; Melissa Gilkerson (19), Glenkirk Elementary; Donna Kirby (29+), Victory Lakes; Jorge Neves (15), Fred M. Lynn Middle; Candace Rotruck (35), Alvey Elementary; and Tawnya Soltis (31), Montclair Elementary.

The School Board, Superintendent, Superintendent’s Staff, colleagues, and families honored all retirees at a reception on April 25 at Colgan High School. The annual formal event drew more than 400 guests. This year, the spokesperson for our more than 89,000 students was Fatima Dyfan, president of the senior class at Woodbridge High School.