RE-1 school district says bittersweet goodbye to two 25-year employees
by Mark Craddock
WALSENBURG — You know it’s going to be a good meeting when there is sheet cake involved. But in this case, the occasion for celebration was as bittersweet as the flecks of chocolate adorning the icing on the cake.
Rhonda Hribar, who for a quarter-century has worked for the Huerfano RE-1 district, wearing a variety of hats while working under five different superintendents, is retiring. So, too, is Debbie Nott, a 25-year veteran science teacher.
Nott was not in attendance at last Monday’s RE-1 School Board meeting but it was standing room only, the gallery full of family and well-wishers.
Superintendent Michael Moore took to the podium to honor both long-time employees.
“I’d like to take the time to recognize two staff members who have been with us for 25 years,” Moore said. “I’ll start out with Deborah Nott. I know Deborah was not feeling well tonight, but Debbie has been a science teacher for the school district for 25 years. Deb worked at Washington Middle School, opportunity and enrichment school held in the basement of Washington School, Peakview School, John Mall Junior High, and Debbie finished at Walsenburg Jr./Sr. High School.
“Debbie – congratulations. We’re going to miss you. We appreciate everything you’ve given to our school district.”
Moore took a moment before continuing.
“I’ll tell you up front. You know me. I’ll be crying,” he said.
“The next employee is Rhonda Hribar. Rhonda has been a school district employee for 25 years. Awesome. She’s worked for five different superintendents.
“She began at Walsenburg Middle School as a math aide in the classroom. The following year she was the librarian, ran the school store and did crosswalk duties every morning and evening. In 2002, she went to work at the administration office on 7th Street working on the E-rate, attendance, purchase orders and insurance. You wore a lot of hats Rhonda.
“Rhonda has had many duties throughout the years, such as payroll, insurance, attendance, liabilities, insurance, clinical workmen’s comp., insurance reporting, safety, and filling duties in-between having a business manager.
Moore paused to compose himself, then choked back his emotions as he finished.
“Rhonda’s been a loving grandmother, mom, and wife. What a friend to all of her colleagues in this building. I know some have not kept dry eyes all day. We’re going to miss you, Rhonda.”
The meeting temporarily segued into a party as Moore presented Hribar with a commemorative clock, family members gathered for photos, and cake was had by all.
Back to Business
Monday’s meeting was not all cake and tears and reminiscence, however.
Winter break is fast approaching and for Ryan Smelker of Artaic Group, the project director for the new Walsenburg Jr./Sr. High, holiday visions were not of sugar plumbs but of the punch list of last-minute tasks to be done before school resumes in the new building Jan. 15. Smelker said that the building is getting an inspection this week and, barring unforeseen circumstances, the district should be issued a certificate of occupancy for the new building next week.
“We’re shooting for everything to be packed up before the school goes on break,” he said. “We’re planning to move everything over the day after Christmas.”
He said a moving company has been hired and he recommended that volunteers not show up to help, because of liability issues. “It’s the world we live in,” he said.
To dispose of equipment and items that will not be moved to the new school, the district will hold a silent auction the morning of Jan. 2, followed by a public giveaway of remaining items.
“I think teachers are in the building Jan. 8-15 to get them familiar with their classrooms and give them a chance to unpack and get settled and get some training on their new rooms,” Smelker said.
He said that the ribbon cutting for the new school is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2024 – the first day of class.
In other business
The board unanimously passed its consent agenda, which contained the following items.
- Approved removal of Rhonda Hribar and addition of Tara Burke to the district’s checking account;
- Approved the hire of Carolyn Brown as a second-grade teacher at Peakview Elementary;
- Approved on first reading amended district policies on use of video and audio monitoring and use of video and audio recording;
- Approved the hire of Connie Perez as custodian;
- Approved the addition of Jim Galindo to the substitute custodian list;
- Approved the hire of Peakview paraprofessional Arissa Munoz;
- Accepted, with regret, a letter of resignation from Peakview cook Elicianna Vialpando.
- Accepted the resignation of Safety Director Joel Shults.
The board adjourned into executive session to discuss matters relating to the superintendent.
