On June 10th, 2025, the Mount Markham Board of Education honored seven retirees during the annual BOE meeting. President Jay Kulczak shared parting words of praise, thanking all the retirees for their dedication to the district and the impact they have had on the community.
The first retiree recognized was Nori Hibbard, a fifth-grade teacher, who started working at Mount Markham in September 1993. Over the years, Nori has fostered an environment in which her students can be successful. She continually sought opportunities to grow and enhance her teaching, using that knowledge to mentor new teachers. “I have worked with some very hard-working, dedicated, and talented colleagues and students that make my time here rewarding and memorable.”
Elementary teacher, Julie Stone, also joined Mount Markham in September 1993. Throughout her teaching career, Julie has been a fierce advocate for the children she works with to ensure that they get what they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond. Although she is excited to be retiring, she won’t be going too far, as she will be a substitute in the district next year. “Teaching here has been like teaching with family, and that’s why I can’t fully leave.”
Since 1994, Heather Lewis Hoover has been a support system for many students as an elementary school counselor. Heather has supported and helped every child that has come through our doors, whether it be greeting them off the buses, individual counseling, or House Events. Her energetic personality brought a positive and fun atmosphere to the elementary school and her kindness and spirit will be felt long after her retirement.
Carolyn Wiswell started teaching at the elementary school in 1999. She has devoted 26 years to the education of our children and as a teacher of special education, Carolyn worked hard to help our neediest students not just grow but flourish, both academically and socio-emotionally. Elementary principal, Karen Rowe, praised Carolyn for her ability to connect with her students. “She has cared for these children with her whole heart, and we are so grateful to her for making Mount Markham her professional home all these years.
Starting in 1999, teaching assistant, Toni King, has been of service in each one of our buildings, eventually settling into the High School. She was instrumental in the development of the Test Center, which provides accommodations to countless students. Not only did she support our students, but she also brought joy to our staff. Every Friday, Toni would wake up at 4 a.m. to bake desserts to share with her colleagues, boosting workplace morale.
Jennifer McDonald joined the Mount Markham family in 2013 and served as the elementary principal until 2024 when she was promoted to Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She has brought new and innovative ideas to the table to help improve student learning outcomes. Jennifer is a “passionate, caring, creative, intelligent, and hard-working educator who has always been in this gig for one reason, and one reason only - for the children and families of Mount Markham,” commended Karen Rowe.
Steve Drescher has been one of the high school math teachers since 2010. During his time at Mount Markham, Steve has enjoyed working with the students, who he describes as being “very polite and respectful.” Although he is leaving the classroom, he will still be shaping young minds as an assistant baseball coach in his hometown and guiding his son, who is following in his footsteps in becoming a teacher.
Three tenure recipients were also recognized at the meeting for the completion of their probationary period and received high commendations for their dedication to Mount Markham.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
Stephanie Coffin
Catherine Gates
Tonya King
Interim Superintendent, Dave Langone, shared more accolades following the recognition of the retirees and tenure recipients. “I believe that there is no profession more noble and certainly no more rewarding. If you do it well, it should be extremely fulfilling and intrinsically rewarding.”