Emma Alderman | news editor
Many WHS and USD 329 staff members will be leaving at the end of this school year. Some are retiring after long careers, and others are moving on to new opportunities. Here are a few of their stories.
Workman to retire from counseling position
Marilyn Workman, who has been the Wabaunsee High School counselor for 11 years, is retiring at the end of this school year.
When asked why she decided to retire this year Workman said that she just felt like it was the right time.
“It’ll be an adjustment but I’m excited to be free to babysit my grandkids and have time to do some things I’ve been wanting to do,” Workman said.
Workman has not only been the WHS counselor, but she is also the SAFE/SADD club advisor.
“It’s invigorating working here and there’s something new everyday,” Workman said.
Last Thursday WHS held a surprise farewell assembly for Workman in the new gym during AB. Students and faculty were invited to share stories and say their goodbye to Workman.
“The first thing I think about when I think of Mrs. Workman is how kindhearted, sweet, loving and patient she is and how thankful I am that I’ve had her working with me here,” said WHS Principal Jan Hutley.
Boeckman leaving WHS for County treasurer’s office
Another beloved staff member leaving is WHS secretary Carrie Boeckman. Boeckman has worked at WHS for the past five years.
“My favorite part about working here is definitely the kids. I was going to be a high school English teacher but when that didn’t happen this was the next best thing,” Boeckman said.
Unlike Mrs. Workman, Mrs.Boeckman is not retiring — she is resigning. She will now be working at the Treasurer’s office at the Alma Courthouse.
“When the other job opportunity was presented to me it was a really good move for my family for me to go,” Boeckman said.
Heersche leaving Wabaunsee for position in Colorado
Joey Heersche has worked at Wabaunsee county school for the past 13 years. He spent his first six years as a math teacher at the junior high and then the past seven years as the elementary school P.E. teacher. Heersche has accepted a job in Fort Collins Colorado to teach middle school math.
“I’ve wanted to move to Fort Collins for awhile. I’ve got a lot of friends in the area and there are a lot of new opportunities. I’m definitely sad to go but I’m excited for the opportunity,” Heersche said.
Heersche hasn’t just been a teacher at Wabaunsee — he has also been a coach. Heersche has been head coach for both the high school and junior high wrestling teams and has had 12 state medalists, including the school’s only state championships. Heersche is also the founder of the Wabaunsee Wrestling Club.
“Wrestling has had a big impact on my life. I’ve been able to take what I have learned and apply it to all aspects of my life and I wanted to give as many kids that opportunity as possible,” Heersche said.
When asked what he would miss most about working at Wabaunsee, Heersche said working with the kids and their families.
Staff on the move
Here are some of the people who work with Wabaunsee students who will be leaving at the end of the year.
Marilyn Worman, WHS counselor, Retiring
Carrie Boeckman, WHS secretary, Wab. County treasurer’s office
Christina Schmitz, WHS para,
para at St. Marys
Kolby Harris, PMS math, new job
Bobby Murray, WJH math,
Elementary principal at Norton
Emily Henderson, mental health liaison,
counselor in Topeka
Sarah Rutledge, Crosswinds therapist,
Aetna insurance
Keely Reddick, FCS/cheer, Council Grove High School
The Charger 
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