17 teachers, staff retire from Downey Unified School District

On May 22, Downey Unified’s Personnel Commission recognized Classified staff for their years of service. Present to receive a certificate and pin in honor of their retirements were Patricia Hofstra, Luz Fernandez, Luz Rivaldo and, on behalf of the beloved Gary Stott, Blanca Rochin (from right to left).

DOWNEY – The closing of the 2023-24 school year marked the end of an era for many Downey Unified employees as the district said farewell to 17 staff members made up of both Classified (non-teaching) and Certificated (teaching) positions.

At the end of May, the Downey Unified Personnel Commission held a meeting honoring Classified staff and retirees throughout the district. During this meeting, which is centered around their annual pinning ceremony, the following employees were recognized and congratulated for reaching this milestone of retirement:

  • Imperial Elementary School – Patricia Hofstra

  • Lewis Elementary School – Rebecca Colacion

  • Griffiths Middle School – Sheryl Lee

  • Downey High School – Susan Asher, Griselda Garcia and Cynthia Stocker

  • Warren High School – Luz Fernandez and Debbie Labrado

  • Downey Adult School – Gary Stott

  • Downey Unified District Office – Aurelio Arevalo (Transportation) and Luz Rivaldo (Special Education)

The following day, the Downey Education Association (DEA) and Downey Unified held a celebration honoring the six Certificated staff members who will be moving into retirement. Students and fellow staff members gave their best wishes on the last day of school as the following staff members said goodbye to their school campuses for the very last time:

  • Gauldin Elementary School – Denise Lee and Lisa Mitchener

  • Price Elementary School – Karen Dillon

  • Rio Hondo Elementary School – Macrina Rivera

  • Downey High School – Carolyn Katsufrakis

  • Warren High School – Robert Petersen

In all, the employees recognized above represent exactly 388 total years of service to Downey Unified students.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we want to thank each and every one of you for the years of dedicated service you’ve provided to our students,” stated Board President, Nancy Swenson. “Each of you has had a positive effect on the lives of countless children and you are the reason why Downey Unified is such an amazing district. We wish you nothing but the best in this amazing next adventure of life but know you will be missed.”

On May 23, the Downey Education Association celebrated the six retirees who will be saying farewell to the classroom. Present to be honored that evening were Karen Dillon, Robert Petersen and Carolyn Katsufrakis.


NewsStaff Report