Southwestern Central School district recently approved the requests for three teacher retirements from the school. These three teachers have dedicated over 70 combined years to the district, and have proven their immense dedication to the youth of the area. With these three being such incredibly special educators, the district officials were seeming quite emotional to see their departure.

At the most recent Board of Education meeting, the members approved the retirements of Margaret Gustafson, Janice Johnson, and Beth Stockwell. Gustafson will be departing from her role as a math teacher at the school, following 26 years of teaching in the district. Johnson is retiring from her role as a music teacher for the district, following sixteen years of dedicated service to the district. Lastly, Beth Stockwell will be retiring from her position as a special education teacher for the district, which follows 32 years of dedication to teaching.

Gustafson’s retirement will go into effect on June 30, after the conclusion of this academic year. When Gustafson initially left graduate school, she had a dream of becoming a Geometry and Trigonometry teacher for college-bound upperclassmen. Gustafson stated that upon beginning her role at the school district, this dream would drastically change. When Gustafson would begin at the school in 2000, she stated that an immediate love formed for growing middle schoolers’ love for math. Gustafson made note of fellow teacher Barb Slumsky, who served as a sort of mentor to Gustafson. Gustafson stated that Slumsky inspired so much of her work, with Gustafson even taking on her role as team leader eventually. Gustafson noted that, no matter what, Southwestern will always hold a special place in her heart.

“Mrs. Gustafson has had an incredible career here at Southwestern,” said Superintendent Molly Moore. “She has served as a team leader for our seventh grade team for several years. She is the first to volunteer to chaperone school dances, or the Halloween carnival that we had in the evening. She’s always out in the hallway greeting kids. She will be deeply missed, but we are excited for her to start the next chapter in her life.”

Johnson’s retirement will also go into effect at the end of the academic year, on the exact same day as Gustafson’s. Johnson noted that the years of working for the district have been so incredibly special to her, with so many memories having formed as a result. Some of Johnson’s greatest memories included teaching general music lessons, navigating the technological challenges that came with COVID-19, directing musical performances and school assemblies, and getting to see students showcasing their amazing abilities. Johnson stated that the school staff and administrators have always been so incredibly supportive, and noted that the time at the district will be greatly missed.

“Janice has been an asset to our music department and elementary school. She has led annual holiday concerts with several grade levels and has added fun to the elementary school,” said Moore. “For example, every year on the last day of student attendance, Mrs. Johnson offers up a box of instruments such as bells, percussion sticks, and triangles so staff can send our students off in a memorable and fun way!”

Stockwell will be the final longtime retirement that the school will be seeing. Stockwell initially began at the district in about 1993, where she would start working with students with special learning needs. Stockwell’s retirement will go into effect on August 1, 2026. While sad to see such an incredible educator’s time come to an end, Stockwell noted that every day of showing up to the school filled her with happiness and joy.

“Beth leaves a tremendous legacy to the special education department at Southwestern. In addition to serving as a special education teacher, Mrs. Stockwell started up our donation closet in the high school, offering clothing and hygiene items as well as food and snack options students can bring home,” said Moore. “She works tirelessly to provide real work opportunities for our students. She will be missed at Southwestern, but we wish her well in her next chapter with her family.”

While these teachers may soon be seeing the end of their careers at the district, the important work and contributions from them will be engraved into the legacy of the school for many years to come.