Thursday, October 1, 2026
Two District 24 faculty members announced on March 30 that they would not return next year.
“I have very mixed feelings,” said Director of Special Education Vanessa Myers, who will retire at the close of the school year. “I grew up in this town.”
Myers attended the William L. Buck School as a child. She has worked in the district for nearly 30 years in four different roles. Before her current position, she was a teacher, a business manager and a part-time senior account clerk. She fought back tears and hugged her colleagues at the end of the board meeting.
“I love it here,” she said. “This is family.”
Superintendent Ed Fale called Myers a valuable member of the District 24 family. “She is an outstanding educational leader and exemplary person — a role model for everyone,” he said.
Brooklyn Avenue School teacher Lena LaFleur will also retire at the end of the school year. Scott Comis, the school’s principal, said LaFleur has a long history of service there.
“Mrs. Lena LaFleur served the students at Brooklyn Avenue School for the last two decades,” he said. “In the various grades that she taught, Mrs. LaFleur worked hard to encourage the students to be their best self and work to their full potential. She will be missed by the students, staff and the community.”
Myers and LaFleur will be honored at the district’s May 25 meeting.
