Here is everyone retiring from Downey Unified this summer

The end of the 2016-17 school year means retirement for 10 Downey Unified employees. 

Retiring employees include one administrator and nine teachers. A celebration was held in their honor Monday at the Rio Hondo Event Center, courtesy of the Downey Education Association. 

In total, the retiring employees represented 229 total years of service to Downey Unified.

Among the retirees is vice principal Denise Taylor, who has worked at Downey Unified for 23 years. Most recently she played an integral part in implementing the STEAM15 program at Downey elementary schools and overseeing the summer STEAMworks program.

Taylor also provided support to the MADE: A Career Initiative division at the district office. 

Retiring from the elementary school level are Robyn Applbaum (Rio San Gabriel), Steven Hay (Carpenter) and Elaine Shimoda-Jung (Unsworth).

Middle school retirees include Sally English and Cherry Marks, both from Griffiths.

Lastly, retiring from the high school level are Robinson English (Warren), Janet Crow (Downey), Anthony Mendez (Downey) and Brooks Sharp (Downey).

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we want to thank you for the countless years of dedicated service you’ve provided to our students,” said Martha E. Sodetani, president of the Downey school board. “Each of you has had a positive effect on childrens lives and you are the reasons why Downey Unified is such an amazing district.”