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Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 7:47 PM
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Churchill County School District Celebrates 2024–2025 Retirees

Churchill County School District Celebrates  2024–2025 Retirees
Lori Kaiser, Kathy Buckmaster, Superintendent Derild Parsons, Toni Venturacci, and Becky Dendauw. Photo by Kaitlin Ritchie.

Decades of Dedication Honored with Gratitude and Grace

The Churchill County School District honored more than a dozen retiring educators and staff members May 28, gathering at the district office to celebrate a combined legacy of nearly 350 years of service to local students and families.

These individuals — teachers, custodians, secretaries, specialists and support staff — have not only worked in the schools, they’ve woven themselves into the very fabric of the community. Whether teaching kindergarten, fixing sprinkler lines, unlocking classroom doors at 6:30 a.m. or answering phones with a warm voice, they’ve helped shape generations of Churchill County children.

“These people aren’t just employees,” Superintendent Derild Parsons said. “They’re the heartbeat of our schools. They showed up year after year, for the snow days, the tough days, the test days, and the moments that truly mattered.”

The district recognized the following retirees:

Classified staff
• Lori Brown — 23 years as a paraprofessional IA in special education
• Toni Venturacci — 22 years as a school secretary
• Robert Fredrick — 15 years as a custodian
• David Jackson — 22 years as a maintenance/grounds technician
• Cheryl Mnichowski — 25 years as a paraprofessional IA in special education
• Debra Shyne — 18 years as executive assistant to the superintendent and school board
• Sharon Oswald — 21 years as a custodian

Licensed educators
• Lori Kaiser — 35 years as a teacher
• Kathryn Buckmaster — 27 years as a teacher
• Sandra Gilbert — 25 years as a teacher
• Trudy Mills — 9 years as a teacher
• Jeremie Sorensen — 27 years as a teacher
• Becky Dendauw — 25 years as a speech-language pathologist

Not all retirees were able to attend in person, but each was recognized for their invaluable service.

As these dedicated professionals move into retirement, they leave behind full classrooms and full hearts.

The Fallon Post joins the school district and the community in offering heartfelt thanks and best wishes for whatever adventures lie ahead. Whether it’s quiet mornings, travel, time with grandchildren or simply sleeping in on the first day of school — we’re grateful. You’ve earned it.


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April 17, 2026 -Churchill County Mourns the Loss o - page 1
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COMMENTS
Comment author: BonnieComment text: Good Luck to all of you. I mean this sincerely. My family fought the Navy for years. My parents owned Horse Creek (Pat and Linda Dempsey). They strung them along for years until they had no financial choice but to accept and get out. My Dad even hauled water for the Snow ranch trying to stay afloat. May God bless you all. I truly pray it works out for you.Comment publication date: 3/28/26, 9:22 PMComment source: Local Rancher Says Navy Land Expansion is Devastating His Family RanchComment author: Lynn JohnsonComment text: I remember your mother well; she was a lovely and kind woman. I loved hanging out at your home on Sheckler Road where she was always warm and welcoming.Comment publication date: 3/27/26, 7:12 PMComment source: June Irene Manhire (Pendarvis), née DriggsComment author: EvaComment text: Grandpa, I find myself wondering about you every so often. I see glimpses of your face in the years worn onto my dad. It makes me feel more connected to you in some way. I remember the familiar kindness from you that I know in my dad. I would’ve really liked to have a good conversation. I only have a handful of memories with you, but you were loving, and you were kind. I wish I was able to say more. If I am someone to you, I hope I make you proud. Thank you Aunt for this sweet post.Comment publication date: 3/27/26, 12:11 AMComment source: Obituary -- Randolph Floris Banovich C Comment author: RBCComment text: The Navy should reimburse the market cost of replacing the grazing land they are taking. Period.Comment publication date: 3/26/26, 10:38 AMComment source: Local Rancher Says Navy Land Expansion is Devastating His Family Ranch
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