As the 2024-2025 school year ended, Bulloch County Schools not only bid farewell to 739 graduates, but it also honored 44 dedicated educators and staff members who are retiring with a remarkable 950 years of combined service.
“Each of these retirees leaves behind a legacy of care and commitment,” said Superintendent Charles Wilson. “They have shaped lives and left a lasting imprint on our schools and our community.”
On May 5, the Board of Education and the school district’s Human Resources Department hosted the district's annual retirement banquet. Retirees from across departments and schools were recognized for their years of unwavering commitment to the children and families of Bulloch County. Some spent their entire careers in the district, while others brought decades of experience from other systems before joining Bulloch County Schools.
The event, held in the Langston Chapel schools’ shared cafeteria, featured a warm atmosphere, a delicious meal catered by Dolan’s, and heartfelt tributes from administrators and department heads. Each retiree received a token of appreciation as colleagues and community members reflected on the legacies they leave behind.
"We'll go on without you, but we'll never forget you," said Rob Lindsey, principal of Nevils Elementary School, in tribute to two of his retiring teachers, Kim Brantley and Lisa Judy. “They have both been mentors to the next generation of teachers.”
Among the retirees honored from the district's Central Office was BJ Brannen, a benefits coordinator, who is retiring with 28 years of service. Known for her meticulous care of more than 2,000 employees’ records, Brannen was praised by Chief Human Resources Officer Alli Baxter for her impeccable work.
"BJ's never made a payroll mistake," Baxter noted. “She has helped support generations of employees at their milestone moments—births, retirements, and everything in between.”
Pam Goodman, a longtime educator and administrator, is retiring after 27 years with Bulloch County Schools, most recently as the inaugural administrator of the district’s LIFE (Learners In Flexible Education) program. Launched in 2023, it provides alternative ways for high school students with medical or work-related challenges to complete high school.
“Since the program began, Pam has helped 38 students complete their education,” said Dawn Tysinger,Ph.D., executive director of Student Wellness and Support. “She’s been a tireless advocate for students who needed a different way to succeed.”
In the Transportation Department, new Director Chad Ivester recognized six retirees, including four bus drivers and longtime Transportation Coordinator Juanita McMillan.
“They’ve put in the hours and the miles with diligence and care,” Ivester said. “For many children, these drivers are the first smile of the school day. It’s not just a route to them—it’s a calming routine, and it makes a difference.”
At Mill Creek Elementary, Assistant Principal Scott Chapman highlighted the service of four retirees, including Melinda Meduri and Cindy Miller.
“They’ve been here since Mill Creek opened its doors in 1998,” Chapman said. “They’ve helped shape the culture of our school from day one.”
Elizabeth Doyle, a teacher at Stilson Elementary, is retiring after 31 years in education. Principal Beth Stewart jokingly shared that while Doyle will be remembered for her care for students and families, staff will especially miss her culinary contributions to faculty potlucks.
Langston Chapel Middle, Principal Willie Robinson, Ed.D., shared how Angela Bird, a lifelong educator, but new to the school district this year, quickly made a difference.
“She spent her career in elementary classrooms," Robinson said. "But we dropped her in a sixth-grade classroom, and she embraced the challenge with grace.”
Portal Assistant Principal Justin Chester honored Shannon Davis for 25 years of service as both a classroom teacher and athletic coach. Board of Education Member Lannie Lanier added a personal note, recalling that Davis was once the flower girl in his and his wife's wedding in 1980.
“She leaves a legacy of excellence and dedication,” Chester said.
Southeast Bulloch High School Principal Julie Mizell, Ed.D., recognized several retirees, including Judy Mincey, the school’s technology liaison, who was once named an unsung hero by the Statesboro Herald and retired with 36 years of service. Mizell also praised the perseverance of Bonnie Deal, who rose from being a paraprofessional to a teacher during her 23-year career.
“Bonnie’s journey is the story of determination,” Mizell said. “She earned her degrees while working full time, and she inspired students and colleagues alike.
As Bulloch County Schools bids farewell to these dedicated individuals, the district prepares to welcome new educators and staff members. The impact of this year’s retirees, however, will not be forgotten.
2025 Retirees**
- Central Office: Penny Aubrey, 17 years; Sherri Bennett, 25 years; BJ Brannen, 28 years; Julie Mixon, 35 years; Bruce Rogers, 12 years
- Information Technology: Richard Clark, 28 Years
- Learn Empower Adapt Pride (LEAP) Program: Michael Holsonback, 15 years
- Learners Involved In Flexible Education (LIFE) Program: Pam Goodman, 27 years
- School Nutrition Services: Evonne Kirkland, 28 years
- Transportation: Connie Brown, 14 years; Julie Chance, 6 years; Janet Childers, 13 years; Juanita McMillan, 25 years; Sharon Sheffield, 31 years; Betty Tremble, 13 years
- Julia P. Bryant Elementary: Nicki Hill, 31 years; Missy Jordan,30 years; Nora Quill, 26 years; Jana Sharp, 30 years
- Langston Chapel Elementary: Heather Hicks, 6 years; Paige Vickery, 6 years
- Langston Chapel Middle: Angela Bird, 1 year
- Mattie Lively Elementary: Lisa Muldrew, 20 years; Cindy Reddick, 27 years
- Mill Creek Elementary: Jill Beaubien, 25 years; Tammy Francis, 23 years; Melinda Meduri, 26 years; Cindy Miller, 30 years
- Nevils Elementary: Kim Brantley, 18 years; Lisa Judy, 26 years
- Portal Middle High School: Shannon Davis, 25 years
- Sallie Zetterower Elementary: Anjanette McArthur, 28 years; Becky Petkewich, 21 years
- Southeast Bulloch High: Kelly Anderson, 3 years; Bonnie Deal, 23 years; Jeff Kaiser, 10 years; Judy Mincey, 36 years
- Southeast Bulloch Middle: Mary Jones, 24 years; Kelly LeCroy, 8 years
- Statesboro High: Amy Altman, 29 years; Shannon Anderson, 18 years; Petronia Dixon, 26 years
- Stilson Elementary: Elizabeth Doyle, 31 years; Shea Ryles, 26 years
**Please note that some retirees may have served as an educator with other school districts before coming to Bulloch County Schools. The years of service noted here are the years served within Bulloch County.
