Charles City school says farewell to retiring staff

To the Press

Ten retiring Charles City School District staff were honored with a reception at Elks Lodge on Wednesday, May 10.

With many serving the Charles City community for years, or even decades, the room was filled with friends, colleagues, and students coming out to congratulate the outgoing staff as they move into the next stages of their lives.

“I have truly enjoyed my time here,” said Janet Delap, who has spent the entirety of her 35-year teaching career in Charles City, teaching second grade at Lincoln and Washington Elementary. “I have so many memories to take with me.”

Sheila Devereaux began her career in Charles City in 2009, working in the high school’s Level 3 room and taking students out for work experiences. In 2017 she took on a different position, serving as the middle school’s library associate.

“I have enjoyed the staff and students at the middle school, but am equally excited to enter the new chapter of my life of retirement,” said Devereaux.

Kent Fisher has been maintaining buildings and grounds in the district since 2016, especially enjoying watching students utilize the ball fields he’s worked on.

“My most memorable time here has been being able to work on the new softball and baseball complexes from the beginning and to completion,” said Fisher. “I have really worked with some wonderful people during my time here and I am going to miss everyone.”

Erik Hoefer began his career in Charles City in 1989 as a student teacher and was brought on full time the next year. He taught sixth grade at Washington Elementary for four years and then fifth grade for another 22 years before taking a year off to attend seminary. Upon his return, Hoefer spent two years teaching third grade, another two years teaching eighth grade language arts and his last two years teaching leadership in the middle school.

He has coached 8th grade boys basketball, assisted boys track and field and was the first-ever coach for the Comet middle school boys and girls cross-country teams in 2006. He has also served as a pit orchestra conductor for several high school musical performances and as the announcer for various Comet sporting events.

Wendy Labarge has been a math teacher in Charles City since 2003 along with being involved coaching both softball and volleyball.

“I have enjoyed my years here at Charles City,” said LaBarge.

Jim Lundberg started teaching agriculture education in 1983, serving as the district’s FFA advisor. He has also spent several years coaching ninth and tenth grade football.

Brenda Marpe began her time with Charles City Schools working as a substitute para-educator in 2011, working in various classrooms across the district in multiple long-term sub jobs. In August of 2016 she was hired for a full-time position at the high school library, where she has remained since.

“This job has been my passion for years because I am an avid reader,” said Marpe. “After retirement I plant to do a lot of camping and fishing. I would like to spend some quality time with my family and friends, and also attend as many of my grandkids’ school and sporting events as possible.”

Rusty Rogotsky started his teaching career in Charles City in 1990 as a driver education instructor, substitute teacher and coach. Starting in 1999 he taught between Mason City and Charles City before becoming a full-time PE instructor at Lincoln Elementary in 2007. He moved over to the middle school in the following fall and has been there since.

During his time in Charles City he has coached football, basketball, baseball and has continued to teach driver education.

“For the past six years I have had the opportunity to train for a possible retirement job as a Wal-Mart greeter by being the middle school greeter almost every morning,” he said.

Rogotsky said he plans to enjoy his retirement by spending more time with his grandchildren, biking, golfing and traveling. He also hopes to continue coaching if the opportunity arises.

Finally, Steve Stallsmith has spent the last 34 years teaching physical education in the Charles City Community School district across the middle school and high school. Along with 24 years of coaching everything from football to wrestling to track and field, he’s served as a strength and conditioning coordinator for 29 years and spent two years teaching psychology.

Representing more than 200 years of combined service to Charles City, the district is thankful to all that the upcoming retirees have contributed to the school over the years, said Superintendent Dr. Anne Lundquist.

“On behalf of the district and the CCCSD School Board, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the retirees for their tremendous efforts on behalf of the students and families of Charles City Schools,” Lundquist said. “Your positive influence on countless learners over the years has truly made a difference, and for this you will be remembered fondly. Best wishes to each of you as you embark on the next chapter in your lives, and some much deserved rest and relaxation.”