Board honors retirees; Special‑Education director Tamara Poe thanks the district and says she will remain active as a volunteer

The board recognized multiple staff members for retirement and public comment included remarks from Tamara Poe, the district’s director of special education, who said she is stepping down from her full‑time role to care for elderly family but will continue as a volunteer.

Retiree recognition Superintendent Dr. Bourne read certificates of achievement honoring staff retirees and long‑service employees. Names and years of service read into the record included: Michael Cardiel (19 years), Sondra Davis (11 years), Juanita Espinosa Guillen (22 years), Dora Garcia (35 years), Anthony Gonzales (20 years), Eliza Gonzales (3 years), Cheryl Grenowitz (29 years), William Kelly (32 years), Isabella Simpson (23 years) and Tamara Pohl (28 years). The board applauded the retirees.

Director of Special Education remarks Tamara Poe spoke during the public forum to thank the board and district staff for support during her tenure. She said she loved the work and was leaving the full‑time post to assist elderly family members; she emphasized she will remain engaged as a volunteer and intends to pursue community partnerships to bring teacher resources and student services to the district. Poe thanked her team and described attending a national teachers’ foundation conference that included teacher supplies and instrument donations; she said she would work to bring similar partnerships to East Chicago.

Why this matters Recognitions mark long service by district staff; the director of special education’s departure from a full‑time administrative role may require administrative transition planning though Poe said she will remain involved as a volunteer.

Ending The board publicly thanked retirees; superintendent and trustees offered congratulations and best wishes.