Crown Point Community School Corporation held its annual retirement breakfast to honor some of this year’s retirees. Principals shared reflections about each teacher and staff member, highlighting their remarkable impact across a combined 297 years of service.

Lynn Carlson is retiring after 34 years in education—11 at Taft and 23 at Timothy Ball. She says she’s most excited to “do whatever I want, whenever I want!” Her most unforgettable moments include September 11, 2001, and the 2020 pandemic. Lynn will especially miss witnessing students’ “lightbulb moments.”

Carrie Graham is retiring after 9 years at CPHS. She’s looking forward to more time with her son and enjoying her home life. A favorite memory is working CPHS proms and seeing students all dressed up. One especially meaningful moment came when a student wrote about her as a mentor.

Rosa Janeksa has completed 11 years with CPCSC. She’s eager to relax, cook, and spend time with her grandchildren. Rosa says the connections she formed with coworkers and students at Taft Middle School meant the most. Principal Tracy Seibert noted that her positive presence will be deeply missed.

Denise Jansen is retiring after 24 years at Solon Robinson Elementary. She plans to take on home projects and travel to see her son at his Marine bases. Among her standout memories are singing opera with 3rd graders and the school’s 2018 Blue Ribbon designation. Denise also served as president of the Crown Point Education Association (CPEA).

Scott Reid dedicated 26 years to Crown Point Schools as both a teacher and a coach. Principal Tracy Seibert shared that Scott has a gift for making people feel valued and seen. Mr. Reid expressed gratitude for working in a district where, despite many changes, the focus has always remained on students.

After 24 years with the CPCSC food services team, Rochelle Karczewski is ready to enjoy sleeping in. She especially enjoyed helping with events like sports banquets and staff appreciation lunches. Rochelle says she’ll miss the “great bunch of women” she worked with—though not the early winter mornings stocking kitchens before the roads were plowed.

Nancy Ludwig is retiring after 16 years of service. Her plans include remodeling her kitchen and traveling. Director of Food Services Christine Clarahan described Nancy as a hardworking, dependable team member who positively impacted countless students.

IdaMae Pittman is concluding a 30-year career with CPCSC, most recently serving in the cafeteria at Wheeler Middle School. She’s looking forward to time with her great-grandchildren. Principal Jake Rodriguez said it best: “Everyone in the building simply says, ‘We love her.’”

CPCSC administrator Jim Hardman is retiring after 29 years. He has served as an assistant principal, principal, and director of curriculum. Jim is excited to spend more time with his wife, Melanie, and their children and grandchildren. Assistant Superintendent Mark Gianfermi remarked that through all the changes in education, Jim consistently approached every challenge with a spirit of service and problem-solving.

CPCSC’s 2025 retirees contributed a total 297 years of service! THANK YOU for your dedication to our children and our community. Not all retirees are named below, per their request.

• Lynn Drennan-Carlson - Timothy Ball, 33 years
• Carrie Graham - Crown Point High School, 9 years
• James Hardman - Administration Center, 29 years
• Rosa Janeska - Robert Taft Middle School, 11 years
• Denise Jansen - Solon Robinson, 24 years
• Rochelle Karczewski - Crown Point High School, 25 years
• Nancy Ludwig - Crown Point High School, 16 years
• Linda Mayes - Crown Point High School, 6 years
• Idamae Pittman - Col. Wheeler Middle School, 30 years
• Scott Reid - Robert Taft Middle School, 26 years
• Mary Roth - Crown Point High School, 28 years
• Rose Troutman - Solon Robinson, 19 years