“Happy retirement!” reads the poster in the school.

The message carries a lot of weight. More than you realize.

Seven staff members with over 117 years of combined experience will leave the school system at the end of the school year.

PHOTOS COMPLIMENTS OF THE ADA BULLDOGS FACEBOOK PAGE.

They are listed with the number of years in the Ada system or years of teaching experience, plus their present Ada position.

• Debbie (Combs) Shepherd –  Second grade teacher - 24 years
• Kathy Maris – Executive secretary - 16 years
• Lyn Davis –  French teacher - 35 years
• Debbie Poling – Elementary reading specialist - 30 years
• David Archer –  Custodial staff - 10 years
• Lori Wilson – Elementary music - 24 years
• Bev Spar – Aide/bus driver