Combined, they have served more than 80 years in Chippewa Valley Schools and Monday night, the Board of Education bid them farewell and good luck in their retirement.

Only Geri Marturano was present at the meeting, but the board also recognized the service of Kathleen Deliso, Ojibwa Elementary second-grade teacher, 32 years; Laura Walsh, Food Service worker, 23 years; and Gloria Renaud, Food Service worker, 11 years.

A 21-year veteran of the district, Marturano has served as the principal of Mohawk Elementary for the last eight years.

"She’s been a community member, parent, teacher and administrator in the district," said Sue Grenier, executive director of elementary education. "She has a long history in Chippewa Valley." 

Under Marturano's direction, Mohawk was the first Chippewa Valley school to undergo and earn the highest level of accreditation for the NCA Quality Assurance Review. 

"She works tirelessly to meet her own high expectations, and provides the best experience she can for the students at her school," Grenier said. "She is somebody who embraces change, there's been a lot of it these past eight years. (She has) a willingness to do whatever it takes, and is also a lifelong learner. I'm sure she's going to continue to pursue new interests in her retirement."

Marturano, who described her time in Chippewa as "wonderful" and "interesting," is planning to spend her retirement relaxing and traveling with her husband, Matt.

"It's been over 20 years that I've been able to work in the district and I want to be able to thank you for that opportunity," she said. "I love working with the kids. I think we have the best staff in the world, parents, community members, and I don't know any other place that would let me come in with open arms and let me do all I did."