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McKENZIE (May 2) — Five persons were recognized for their planned retirement at the end of the school year at McKenzie Special School District. They were honored at the May 2 meeting of the Board of Education.
Lynn Watkins is retiring as director of schools on June 30. Watkins has 32 years of experience at MSSD as a teacher, coach and administrator.
Stan George, school finance director, is retiring from his position. He has worked for the school system since 1998, with a three-year absence.
Mistee Cooper has taught at McKenzie for seven years with 36 years in education. She said she and her husband, Eric, will retire to work on the family farm.
Sheila Ridley, MHS Counselor, is retiring after 31 years of education at McKenzie and three at a residential treatment facility. Sheila said she is retiring to care for her new grandchild.
Kim Smith is retiring after 20 years at MSSD as a teacher and four in Arizona.
Each was presented a gift from the School Board.
McKenzie’s Board of Education hired Dr. Justin Barden as its new director of schools. LaShonda Williams said Barden’s base pay is $105,000 plus benefits on an initial three-year contract. He begins his service on June 5 and will work alongside Lynn Watkins until June 30, when Watkins retires.
Presently, the school district advertised vacancies in the following areas: Middle School STEM, High School Economics and Government; High School Math; Middle School Science; Middle School Math; Middle School English; and Special Education, along with a school finance director. Watkins announced he and Dr. Barden are interviewing a person for finance director in the coming weeks.
