Offerman retires after 32 years in school district

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

While teachers, students, staff and administrators are all preparing to forge ahead into the new school year, one familiar face is retiring.

The entire building and grounds staff at the Charles City School District gathered in the transportation center office on Thursday to celebrate Jane Offerman’s 32 years of service to the district. Thursday was Offerman’s last day.

Offerman said she worked in every school in the district at one time or another, except Jefferson Elementary.

“I really enjoyed it, I will miss this terribly,” Offerman said.

Offerman was an aide at Charles City for 28 years, then joined the custodial staff four years ago. She said she has no big plans for retirement yet, she hopes to “just relax.”

“She has been a great asset for Charles City schools,” said Charles City School District buildings and grounds director, Gerald Mitchell.

Offerman has not only been a custodian during the school year, Mitchell said, she has also been the head painter during the summer.

“All the touch-ups and all the painting we do around the district, she has her stamp on it,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell agreed that the district loses a good amount of institutional knowledge with Offerman’s departure.

“She knows this district, she will dearly be missed,” he said.