As the 2025–2026 school year draws to a close, Region 15 proudly recognizes and celebrates the retirement of 13 dedicated staff members whose collective service totals 247 years of commitment to students, families, and the school community. This year's retirees include educators, support staff, and a school operations staff member whose careers have touched countless lives across the district. Through their expertise, compassion, leadership, and dedication, each has helped shape the educational experiences of thousands of Region 15 students.

Certified Staff Retirees

Dawn Krukowski (Gainfield Elementary School, Speech & Language Pathologist)
38 Years of Service
Dawn began her career in Connecticut public education in 1988 as a speech pathologist with Region 15. Throughout her 38 years of service, she has been a dedicated member of the Gainfield Elementary School community, supporting generations of students and families. Her unwavering commitment and caring presence have helped shape the school community, and her contributions will be remembered long after her retirement.

Kathleen Noonan (Pomperaug High School, Mathematics Teacher)
30 Years of Service
Kathleen has dedicated 30 years to Region 15, building a career marked by commitment to students and a passion for mathematics education. Before joining the faculty at Pomperaug High School, she supported students as a district math tutor, reflecting a connection to Region 15 that spans more than three decades. Throughout her career, Kathleen has been a valued member of the school community whose knowledge, care, and dedication have made a lasting impact.

Carol Reilly (Pomperaug High School, School Counselor)

26 Years of Service
For 26 years, Carol has served the students of Region 15 as a school counselor, dedicating her career to supporting adolescents as they navigate both academic and personal milestones. She has been a trusted resource for students, families, and colleagues, consistently strengthening the school counseling program and helping students prepare for successful futures.

Christina O'Neill (Long Meadow Elementary School, Library Media Specialist)
25 Years of Service
Christina began her Region 15 career supporting students as a tutor before joining Long Meadow Elementary School as a classroom teacher. Over 25 years, she embraced new opportunities, transitioning into library media and serving as a technology team leader. Her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and student learning has left a lasting legacy throughout the district.

LeAnn Cassidy (Memorial Middle School, History Teacher)
24 Years of Service
LeAnn spent her entire Region 15 career at Memorial Middle School, teaching Language Arts, Mathematics, and her favorite subject, U.S. History. Her passion for education and commitment to student learning extended far beyond the classroom. Her dedication and expertise have left a lasting impact on Memorial Middle School and the broader educational community.

Luke Hodge (Pomperaug High School, Mathematics Teacher)
21 Years of Service
Luke began his Region 15 career as a long-term mathematics substitute at Pomperaug High School before joining the faculty permanently. During his 21 years of service, he became a trusted colleague, dedicated educator, and valued member of the school community. His collaborative spirit and commitment to students have made a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

Susan Waschak (Pomperaug High School, Mathematics Teacher)
19 Years of Service
Susan devoted 19 of her 20 years in education to Region 15. She spent 16 years teaching mathematics at Rochambeau Middle School before concluding her career at Pomperaug High School. Throughout her tenure, Susan's dedication to student learning and her positive influence on students and colleagues alike left a lasting impression.

Barbara Nanassy (Memorial Middle School, Mathematics Teacher)
3 Years of Service
Although Barbara spent three years in Region 15, she quickly became an integral member of the Memorial Middle School mathematics team. She concludes a distinguished career in education having made a positive difference in the lives of countless students and colleagues. Region 15 was fortunate to be part of her educational journey as she closes this chapter and begins a well-earned retirement.

Non-Certified Staff Retirees

Debra Caleca (Long Meadow Elementary School, Special Education Paraeducator)
25 Years of Service
For 25 years, Debra provided dedicated support to students and staff as a special education paraeducator. Her patience, compassion, and commitment to student success helped create positive learning experiences for countless children throughout her career.

Raymond Storez (Pomperaug High School, Custodian)
20 Years of Service
Raymond dedicated 20 years of service to Region 15 as a custodian at Pomperaug High School. His hard work, reliability, and commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment contributed greatly to the daily operations of the school community.

Marian Cannici (Middlebury Elementary School, Special Education Paraeducator)
8 Years of Service
Marian served students and staff as a special education paraeducator for eight years. Her dedication, care, and support helped students thrive both academically and socially, making a meaningful impact on the school community.

Janice Salvatore (Pomperaug Elementary School, Registered Behavior Technician)
5 Years of Service
Janice provided five years of dedicated service as both a paraeducator and Registered Behavior Technician. Through her specialized support and commitment to students, she played an important role in helping learners achieve success and reach their individual goals.

Linda Estrella (Pomperaug Elementary School, Special Education Paraeducator)
3 Years of Service
Linda spent three years supporting students as a special education paraeducator. Her care, patience, and dedication contributed to a positive learning environment and meaningful experiences for the students she served.

"These retirees have helped shape Region 15 through their dedication, expertise, and commitment to our students, families, and colleagues," said Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools. "Their impact can be seen in the countless lives they have touched throughout their careers. On behalf of the entire Region 15 community, I thank them for their years of service and wish them happiness, good health, and fulfillment in their well-earned retirement."

Region 15 extends its sincere gratitude to these staff members for their years of service and dedication to the students and families of Southbury and Middlebury. Their contributions will continue to be felt throughout the district for years to come and the district invites students, alumni, parents, and community members to join them in thanking these professionals for their service. 

PHOTO (2026 Retirees) L-R: Barbara Nannassy, Christina O’Neil, Debra Caleca