After years of early mornings, late nights, countless lessons, caring hearts, and unwavering dedication to students, our 2026 retirees are officially closing one incredible chapter. 
Tonight, we had the honor of celebrating the remarkable individuals who helped shape generations of students, families, staff, and schools across District 186. From classrooms and cafeterias to buses, offices, libraries, playgrounds, athletics, and leadership rolesm each retiree leaves behind a legacy that will continue to impact our district for years to come.
One of the most memorable traditions of the evening was the ringing of the retirement bells. As the bells rang throughout the room, it symbolized years of service, commitment, laughter, memories, friendships, and lives changed. It was impossible not to feel the joy, pride, and appreciation filling the room. 
This year’s celebration carried an especially meaningful moment as Superintendent Jennifer Gill received her retirement bell, presented by incoming superintendent Dr. Terrance Jordan, a beautiful passing of the torch and a reminder of the lasting impact of leadership rooted in service.
To our retirees: thank you for the difference you made every single day. Thank you for choosing District 186, for believing in students, for supporting one another, and for helping make our schools stronger, kinder, and better places to learn and grow.
Congratulations to our 2026 retirees! 
Christy Ackley
Shirley Allen
Calvin Austin
Michelle Baker
Joel Baldin
Jane Beger
Janene Bennett
Michael Brown
Elizabeth Browning
Nikki Burgar
Michelle Cano
Amy Capranica
Michelle Clark
Twila Cline
Rodney Conaway, Sr.
Sherrie Cookson
Charlene Crawford
Lisa Hull-Crawford
Catherine Cripe
Merry Daniels
Sherry Daniels
Dwayne Davis
Christine Rake-Davis
Karen Devine
Barbara Dickman
LeAnn Divjak
Susan Dodd
Lori Durbin
Timothy Elliott
Kittie Elshoff
James Estes
Elizabeth Finney
Jane Frech
Karen Frost
Kathy Fox
Cathy Garrett
Jennifer Gill
Tracy Gordon
Penny Grizzle
Cheryl Gudgel
Hirut Harris
Angela Hoffek
Rebecca Kidd
Selina Ladd
Stacey Lochbaum
Susan Lowe
Mindy Madonia
Larry McVey
Angelina Meneghetti
Alicia Miller
Lori Moore
Yvonne Persley
Darren Planck
Patty Purdy
Asima Rahman
David Robinette
Lori Scheufele
Kathy Schneider
Deanne Shouse
Deborah Schoppenhorst
Ceclia Schurman
Gina McLaughlin-Schurman
Kelly Scott
Donna Shepherd
Diane Stephenson
Mari Swaggerty
W. Todd Taylor
Lawrence Thomas
Frank Trowbridge
Gary VanDerSlik
Amy Walters
Lillian Darlene Warren
Stephanie Webster
Jason Wind
Angela Wright
We Are 186!!