As the school year comes to an end, schools are saying goodbye to retiring teachers and staff, namely those at Unit 74 Schools in Flanagan.

Superintendent Jerry Farris had kind words for the retiring Deb McReynolds and Mary Jo Heath.

“We’re talking about two outstanding individuals. Anybody that puts that much time into teaching and helping young people, you feel pretty fortunate. A lot of times when you’re in this profession, you don’t get a lot of pats on the back and you don’t get rich from it, but it is self rewarding at times and I know the kids appreciate the help they get from Mrs. McReynolds and Mrs. Heath and so, when they have that kind of influence on young kids and help shape those minds, it’s part of a family here that we all join in together and help each other out, so they’re a big part of the success we’ve had for years in these buildings,” Farris said.

Retiring teacher Deb McReynolds, who has spent 30 of her 38 years of her career at Flanagan schools, lends some words of experience for those looking to get into the education field.

“You have to love it. You’re not in it for the money. I love my kids and they are my kids. Their successes are my successes and what makes me even feel better is the fact that they come back and they visit,” McReynolds said.

Retiring paraprofessional Mary Jo Heath, who is retiring after 25 years, gave some insight to what it’s like to work with children in the schools.

“The kids come first. That’s our primary goal to educate the kids and to help them in any way we can and we try to do that. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t,” Heath said.

The pair was honored at the end of year luncheon at the school last Thursday.