June 16, 2025 – The district celebrated and offered well wishes to this year’s retirees: Dr. Casey Echelmeier, Ms. Janet Tate, Ms. Shelia Teague, and Mr. Ricky Fox. Individuals were recognized at the May and June school board meetings. 

Dr. Casey Echelmeier: At the end of June, Dr. Casey Echelmeier is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of compassion,  leadership, and integrity. Known affectionately as “Ms. Casey” by her colleagues and students, she has been a cornerstone at McMillan for the last decade.

During her time at MELC, Casey worked most closely with Dr. Anne Billington. “Ms. Casey has been an awesome assistant principal/co-pilot for helping us build Bulldog foundations at MELC. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help students; working with at-risk students is her special strength. She is our data queen and curriculum guru,” Anne shared.

Kindergarten teacher Rachel Howell added, “Whether navigating challenges with grace or celebrating triumphs with heartfelt enthusiasm, her impact has been profound and lasting. From early morning greetings to late-night school events, she leads by example, always present, always caring. Her retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but her influence will echo through our halls for years to come.”

As she begins her next journey - teaching future educators - we know she’ll continue shaping lives far beyond MELC. We will miss her, but send her off with love, gratitude, and Bulldog pride!

Ricky Fox: After 33 years of serving our district with hard work, heart, and a whole lot of skill, we’re proud to celebrate the retirement of Ricky Fox.

Ricky has been the quiet force behind so much of what keeps our schools running. Whether it is fixing what’s broken or making sure students get to school safely and on time, Ricky has done it all with dedication and dependability. 

As a key member of the maintenance team, Ricky is known for his wide range of skills and his ability to tackle any task. Maintenance Director Jason Benjamin shared, “If something needs done, Ricky can handle it- lightening the load for everyone around him with quiet confidence and a can-do spirit.” 

Jason and Ricky are not just coworkers; Jason remembers Ricky as his bus driver when he was in middle school and high school! This is a testament to Ricky’s impact on our students. He doesn’t just drive a bus; he helps start and end each day with care that makes students feel safe. Transportation Director Jennifer Fowler summed it up perfectly saying, “Ricky has safely steered not only a bus, but the lives of countless students over the years. His dedication, punctuality, and calming presence have made a lasting impact on this school community.”

Ricky, thank you for 33 years of service, early mornings, and irreplaceable skill. You’ve left a lasting mark in our halls, on our buses, and in our hearts. Enjoy this next chapter- you’ve earned it!

Janet Tate: Wow - over 30 years of service! What a dedicated and truly special person we’ve been lucky to have in our district! We recognize the incredible impact Ms. Tate has made, not just through the years, but in the everyday moments that help shape students’ lives.

Dr. Anne Billington said it best: “Thank you for your honest and assertive approach to helping all students. You have been a great team leader, a huge advocate for children, and we will miss you very much!”  

Ms. Tate’s passionate spirit has inspired colleagues and changed many lives for the better. Her leadership, heart, and unwavering commitment to students have left a legacy at McMillan and across the district.

As she steps into retirement, she will be deeply missed, but we know she’ll continue making a difference wherever life takes her next.

Enjoy every moment of what’s ahead—you’ve earned it!  

Sheila Teague: We honor the retirement of Sheila Teague—transportation secretary, queen of grandbaby drop-ins, Christmas caroler extraordinaire, and, above all, a truly valued coworker.

Sheila has been a steady source of kindness and support at Central Office. Whether she’s wrangling the daily chaos of the transportation and maintenance offices, or sharing sweet photos of her grandbaby Tucker, she brings warmth, joy, and calm to each day.

Melissa Deimeke, who has worked with Sheila throughout her 22 years in public education, shared, “Sheila never meets a stranger and is a friend to all. If I ever needed anything—whether it be a quick snack, someone to let me in when I locked myself out, someone to listen, or medication for a headache—she has always been there to take care of me.”

That’s who Sheila is—always willing to help with a smile and a solution. Transportation Director Jennifer Fowler captured it perfectly when she said: “Sheila is more than a secretary. She has been the voice of calm, the steady hand, and the quiet strength behind so many successes. Her attention to detail, welcoming smile, and unwavering professionalism will be deeply missed.”

Sheila, thank you for everything you have done for Mexico 59! We will miss you, and we’re excited for you to enjoy all the relaxation and family time ahead.