JEFFERSON – At Jefferson Area Local Schools, there’s a group of staff members who have continued to work past their retirement.
This group of veteran employees, which includes Cindy Cufr, Joe Herrmann, Glenn Jackson, John King and Gary Trautman, now works primarily as substitute employees and support staff.
“They are a huge help to the school district and continue to connect with students and staff,” said Superintendent Jeremy Huber.
He said the district appreciates their presence in the school buildings.
One of the “Forever Young” group is Cufr, a long-time administrative assistant who continues to serve as a substitute.
“We all appreciate the work of Mrs. Cindy Cufr. As a substitute administrative assistant, she continues to have a strong command of our software systems and office protocols. She knows everyone in every building, from the Board of Education office to Rock Creek Elementary. She knows where to direct people and how to help. It is a challenge to be called upon on a moment’s notice and have the applicable knowledge to help sustain the daily operation of a building. She does it with ease and joviality,” Huber said.
Cufr, who graduated from Wickliffe High School in Lake County, has worked in the district since about 1984, for about 42 years.
“I retired in 2016, and I have been subbing since that time,” Cufr said.
Cufr said she began working in the district as the cafeteria monitor at Rock Creek Elementary.
“I then became the Rock Creek Elementary School secretary. I worked at the elementary school for nine years, and then I moved to the junior/senior school where I worked until 2009. When the new school was built, the buildings were separated, and I became only the high-school secretary. After I retired, I was hired briefly as the high-school guidance secretary. I retired again and I have worked as a substitute secretary since then,” Cufr said.
She is currently working as a substitute secretary in all four buildings and the board office.
“I decided to return to work, first of all, because I was asked. I also wanted to feel useful and give my days a purpose,” Cufr said.
She shared that a big reason she continues to work in the district is because of the “interaction with the staff and students.”
“I enjoy connecting with the JALS staff, and the students are fun in different ways depending on their age,” Cufr said.
Cufr said Jefferson-area students are some of the best students in the county.
“They are typically helpful, courteous and respectful,” Cufr said.
As for what she finds fulfilling about continuing to work in the district, Cufr said, “I enjoy helping parents with their concerns and providing the information they might need to know that their students are in good hands and receiving the best education to assure them a successful future.”
She’s also been able to pass on her knowledge and experience to other staff.
“Because I have worked in every building in the district, I have been able to share what I’ve learned with new office staff members,” Cufr said.
But it’s not just Cufr’s knowledge that has been a benefit to the district.
“What still impacts me is the incredible patience she has with people and the genuine empathy when she is working with others. She is an amazing resource,” Huber said. “She may have retired…, but her impact continues throughout the Jefferson Area Local School District.”
Note: Watch for features on other “Forever Young” Jefferson Area Local Schools staff members during the school year.
