Diane Farrell retiring from South Bend: "It has been great..."

Secretary Diane Farrell retires from SB at the end of this school year

Those of us who work in schools quickly learn the office secretaries are the lifeblood of the building. On a daily basis, they work to keep all of us on track and moving forward. We depend on them and they are indispensable to our mission.

Next month on June 23, South Bend School District loses an "institution" of the high school office, as long-time employee Diane Farrell retires.

When I sat down with Diane last week to interview her for this blog post, I knew our conversation would be bitter-sweet. After all, after 16 years in the secretary chair, having impacted countless lives--students, parents, and staff alike--one just doesn't turn off the lights and walk out the door.  At least, not Diane, who lives as an impeccable example of service to our students, parents, and staff. That being said, I am very happy for Diane as she prepares to begin this next phase of life.

As one who prides herself in knowing each student by name, knowing the spelling of each student's name, and staying in tune with student needs, it is clear student well-being is a top

priority for Diane. "Diane has so many qualities, but one of her greatest may be her compassion," says Jason Nelson, South Bend High School Principal. "Diane has a strong desire to reach out to those in need, and does everything in her power to take care of our students and families." "Her giving and caring nature is what makes her special," says Nelson.

When I asked Diane what she will miss most, she quickly describes her daily interactions with kids. "I make it a priority to say something nice to every student I come into contact with each day," says Diane. "I have watched these kids grow up and I think it's important to show our students we are truly interested in them." "I will miss being a part of their lives here at school."

Staff also benefit from Diane's watchful eye and keen sense of knowing when to help. "Diane cares about each and every student and staff member," says math teacher Jackie Sanchez, "she does such an incredible job taking care of all of us, which isn't always an easy thing!" "Diane is my friend, always so kind, and so smart," says Sanchez. As special education and attendance secretary, Diane is depended upon to ensure both areas are logistically sound and organized. Retired South Bend Principal Mike Rogers noted, "In both the daily routine and in special projects, Diane worked in a manner with attention to detail, a great sense of humor, and a tactful style." "I can't count how many times I would say, "what do you think, Diane?," commented Rogers.  Her depth of knowledge and ability to understand the ins and outs of the school office are invaluable. Principal Jason Nelson agrees, "Diane's intelligence, work ethic, and foresight make her an integral part of the South Bend School District." "We are all going to miss her, but she has certainly earned her retirement."

As Diane and I continued our conversation, she praised her working relationship with fellow secretary, Susie Williams. "Susie is simply wonderful," she says. "Her positive attitude and care are second to none." "Working with Susie has been one of the most quality relationships in my life, I am really going to miss working each day with her."

Diane hasn't always worked for South Bend. Prior to coming in 2001, she worked as a secretary for Principal Paul Furchert of the Raymond School District. "I was actually a school board member in Raymond for 12 years," recalls Diane. "Mr. Furchert hired me as a secretary and taught me how to do the job." "That was a great experience, but I've never regretted coming to South Bend." "When (Superintendent) Nick Johnson hired me, he asked if I would "bleed maroon and gold after a year," she laughed. "I can tell you, I certainly do." Diane started as a secretary in the South Bend preschool, before moving to work for Mike Rogers in the high school office. "I really enjoyed working for Mr. Rogers."  "When you work for one principal for many years, you worry when they retire and you have a new boss coming in," she says. "I have to admit I was concerned when Mr. Rogers retired." "But, Jason Nelson has been great to work for these past many years." Mr. Nelson, now in his seventh year as South Bend High School Principal says, "Diane possesses an unmatched work ethic." "She always puts in the time necessary to make sure the job is not only done well, but that it is done to perfection," he says. "She has been essential to our office."

As Diane reflected on her years in the high school office, she mentioned the "South Bend Way". "Well, I credit Mike Rogers for teaching me that back when I started in his office," she said. "The South Bend Way is the way we do things in a manner that promotes pride in our community and schools," she says. "It's how we develop our students to be responsible and contributing adults, it's how we do our best for those we serve, it's how we do business." As I listened, I admired her conviction and dedication to our school district.  Diane's years as an employee embody the South Bend Way, doing her job with pride and always striving to do her best for others. It is employees like Diane that make a difference, and she has made a big difference in the lives of many.

Diane is excited to begin retired life with her husband Dean, who retires from Weyerhaeuser in early June. "We plan to take our motor home to Alaska for a few months as soon as I'm done," she says. "We have lifelong friends who will be making the trip with us and we are very excited." After her trip north, Diane looks forward to spending more time with her three grandchildren, ages 9, 8, and 6.

I consider it a privilege to have been able to work with Diane during my three years as Superintendent. Diane ranks among the best I have worked with--dedicated and loyal. I enjoyed sitting with Diane for just about an hour as I listened to her thoughts and memories of working in South Bend. As we concluded our conversation, Diane was quite humble, always thinking of others. With a tear in her eye, as she looked across the street toward the high school, she said, "I could never say enough about the people in that building." "South Bend teachers are amazing, the staff are amazing, it has been great to be a part of it."

From all of us at South Bend School District, best of luck Diane on your retirement!  You will be missed by us all.