Retirement leads to KPS staff changes

A retirement just before school started caused some shuffling of the Kingfisher Public Schools staff just before its first day of 2020- 21.

Dianna Weems informed administrators last Monday that she was retiring.

Weems was set to teach eighth grade math and has been in the KPS system for the entirety of her 36-year career.

“I’ve spent all 36 years here in the greatest school system ever. I’m thankful for a system that has always worked to get me anything I thought would benefit my teaching and of course, most importantly, our students,” Weems wrote in a Facebook post.

“To them I will always be grateful. Kingfisher is a special community and that made it an easy job with great participation and support from not only our school board and administration, but also the parents.”

Weems’ retirement set off a domino effect of movement that affected not just the middle school, but alternative education, Heritage and Gilmour as well.

Jill Myers was moved from eighth grade history to Weems’ position in math.

Jackie Sternberger switched from seventh grade geography to eighth grade history.

And Mark Redwine, who is returning to the school system this year, will now teach seventh grade geography.

He was originally hired along with Libby Wood to teach at the alternative school.

That left a void at the alternative school that will now be filled by Clifford Benson.

Benson had served the last two years as Gilmour Elementary principal.

“He was the best fit for us to put in that position,” Superintendent Jason Sternberger said.

“He’s got a compassionate heart and will be great with those kids.”

Shane Hood, the Heritage principal, will serve as principal at both Heritage and Gilmour.

Benson will serve as an assistant principal at both schools and will also help in the transportation department, Sternberger said.