By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Twelve teachers and staff of the Rim of the World Unified School District had announced their retirement and were honored at the June 5 board of trustees meeting.
Half of them are retiring at the end of the year:
- Peter Ferrara, Rim High (25 years of service)
- Rowena Morena, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School (25)
- Judy Purinton, MPH (29)
- Sharon Domon, MPH (29)
- Shelly Armellini, Charles Hoffman Elementary (26)
- Ellin Monica Ortega, CHE (10)
The other six had retired during the year:
- Tina West, MPH (36)
- John (Dave) Williford, MPH (4)
- Shane McLellan, Maintenance/Grounds (10)
- Mario Lune, Transportation (6)
- Timothy Grossman, Transportation (8)
- Kerry Castillo, Business Department (15)j
Terry Gomes, the MPH principal, spoke about two of his retirees, who were present at the meeting.
Speaking to Sharon Domon, he told her that she “had an incredible impact on the students. You have helped shape and mold young people to be successful students. Your kind words and helping hands have empowered students and helped them find their voice.
And to Judy Purinton, Gomes said, “You have been a rock and a consistent presence. You have been so willing to take on different assignments. You have been there through the thick and thin with our students. You have created a culture of care and respect. You have had a positive impact on thousands of students.”
And to both he added, “On behalf of the whole school community, thank you both. You’ll always be part of our school community.”
Assistant Superintendent Shannon Hansen read a statement about Shelly Armellini. “Shelly is an amazing teacher who teaches students to be the best they can be. She makes sure students are given the highest standards to meet. She has planted a garden in all of our lives, including a garden at the school site.”
Jordana Ridland, president of the school board, noted that the 12 retirees represent 200 years of service to the district.
Following Ethan Smith’s final report to the board as the student representative – in which he detailed the variety of end-of-the-year activities taking place at each campus – Ridland thanked him for his dedication and comprehensive reports. She then presented him with an award for his desk to remember his year of service.
The board unanimously approved $97,817 from the Inland Adult Education Consortium to fund three adult education courses in the 2025-2026 school year. These courses include a diploma-based course for adults needing a high school diploma, an English as a second language course and a pharmacy tech Career Technical Education course.
“I love that this will not impact our general fund,” Ridland said.
They also unanimously approved $45,000 from an Educator Effectiveness grant for financial literacy training during the 2025-2026 school year. This is a result of AB 2927 which will require every high school in the state to offer a one-semester course in personal finance starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
And the board unanimously approved $434,301 in funds from Proposition 28 as an arts and music grant for all seven Rim campuses. The funds are to be used to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education instruction. Remaining funds are to be used for training, supplies and materials.
On the consent calendar, the trustees unanimously approved opposing AB 1230, which would require a district to recommend a plan of rehabilitation for a pupil who have been expelled.
“The staff has enough responsibility,” Trustee Dr. Bill Melllinger said.
They also approved opposing AB 772, which would require a district to develop a policy on how to address acts of cyberbullying that occur outside of school hours.
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