Brooklyn Kolterman
OHS Journalism
Here at USD 322 we have been lucky enough to have several dedicated staff members who have served over 30 years. We have teachers, librarians, custodians, and office personnel that have spent many years working at Onaga. Jo Harris, former 3rd grade teacher now working as a MTSS para educator, has worked here for 33 years. When Mrs. Harris was asked what her favorite part of her job was, she replied with “Teaching with my former students and learning new strategies from them. No two days are ever the same. You are always busy, I love seeing the smiling faces and students who are eager to learn and share their stories. It’s fun watching your class grow each year and see what their plans are after they graduate. I’ve been invited to their weddings and baby showers, then come full circle and teach their children.”
When Marsha Bergmen, our librarian for 30 years, was asked what made her stay in the district for this long she said “I get to see all the kids everyday, and my grandkids, and they put a smile on my face. When my husband passed away 15 years ago, I said I was going to work till I was 80. Well, the years are catching up with me, so I might have to stay till I’m 90 or until someone carries me out of here.” Here at USD 322 this district has been blessed to have one of the best ag teachers. This would be Mr. Keith Figge, who has been Onaga’s Ag teacher for 31 years. His favorite part of the job is “working with the students and continuing/growing the Agriculture Education Program and the FFA here at Onaga into one of the strongest in the state.”
Judy Glessner, our middle school language arts teacher has been with this district for 37 years. She states “I stayed in this district because I love teaching here and have never had a reason to want to leave.”
A few more of our staff members that have been here for over 30 years are Ann Kocher; she has worked here for 38 years as the highschool math teacher. When she was asked what her favorite part of her job is she said “Seeing a student have that “light bulb” moment. I love helping them understand math.” Ann Hermreck works in our district office. She has been with us for 33 years. Don Pinick, one of our custodians has been here for 39 years. He is always making sure that USD 322 is at its best for the students and staff. These staff members, along with all of our faculty at Onaga, make our district one of the best in the state. Dr. Wilson states “The first thing that led me to Onaga was the close location to my family. When I interviewed and met people from the school and community, I immediately felt at home. It was at that point I knew Onaga was where I wanted to be.”