Princeton Elementary School Superintendent recognizes staff, community members

PRINCETON — Retiring Princeton Elementary School Superintendent Tim Smith is giving his farewell tour, so to speak, recognizing individuals that have made a difference to him during his tenure as the district’s superintendent during each of his last board meetings.

Smith at Monday’s meeting thanked Laura Tanner-Root, pastor of New Hope Church of the Nazarene, and Mike Kane, who he said were instrumental in assisting the district during a difficult time in 2018 when one of the elementary school buildings experienced a fire.

In May 2018, Lincoln School had to be evacuated after a cardboard box containing chicken hatchlings caught fire, displacing students for several weeks. Root volunteered the church as a temporary school space, for which Smith said he and the entire staff is grateful.

Smith presented Root with a certificate deeming her Honorary District Superintendent for Life and presented Kane with a certificate proclaiming him Honorary Lincoln School Principal for Life. Neither position, he joked, comes with a pension.

In addition to recognizing community members, Smith gave special thanks to several long-time district office employees, two of which are retiring.

First recognized was Lisa Saletzki, a 15-year employee, who has served as building secretary in the past will move into the role of district bookkeeper in July, a role Smith said she already is transitioning into.

Wayne Barr, district transportation director, building and grounds director and food service director has been an instrumental part of PES, Smith said. Retiring after 31 years, Barr was recognized for his dedication to the district, going above and beyond to ensure student and driver safety.

“He’s made my life a lot easier,” Smith said, “and has been incredibly committed.”

Smith also praised district registrar Pam Warren, who has spent 26 years with the district and who he said “touches the files of every student in the district.” Smith said when he moved to the district office, taking Warren with him from Lincoln School was a “no-brainer.”

Lastly, Smith recognized retiring bookkeeper Sandy Hall, who is retiring after 24 years, saying she’s kept the finances running perfectly during her tenure.

“I’m blessed to have worked with these lifelong friends,” Smith said.