(seated, L to R): Phyllis James, Sandy Seidling, Jan Barfield; (standing, L to R): Lori Harn, Gene Fountain, Tracey Lovelace, Chris Carroll, Wanda Nanney, Harriett Smiley and Sarah Montford. (Not pictured: Lexs Wright)

Eleven employees of the Vidalia City School System are retiring at the end of this school term, and between those educators, paraprofessional, transportation, lunchroom workers and Central Office Staff, they represent 297 years of service to the students and faculty of the local public school system.  Board of Education Chairman Tim Truxel called their leaving a “bitter-sweet moment” at Tuesday night’s Board meeting as each was recognized for their dedication.

Jan Barfield, a Spanish teacher at Vidalia High School, has been serving the most years with 46 years in the classroom. And now that she is making a transition into another phase of her life and says there’s nothing in life she’d rather to have done than teach.

“I love working with children,” she said. “Someone asked me recently knowing what I know now if there was anything I would change or do instead of teach and there isn’t it. I love what I’ve done, and I hate leaving, but it’s time. I’ve got a lot to do! I won’t be bored!”

By that she means traveling, socializing with friends and family, and other course, spending time with her grandchildren.

Also retiring from the system are J.D. Dickerson Primary School: Sarah Montford (35 years), Lori Harn (32 years), Harriett Smiley (20 years) and Lexs Wright (18 years); J.R. Trippe Middle School: Tracey Lovelace (29 years), and Wanda Nanney (12 years); Vidalia High School: Phyllis James (41 years) and Chris Carroll (31 years); Transportation: Gene Fountain (10 years); and Central Office: Sandy Seidling (23 years).