Friedrich announces her plans to retire

WAUSA — A longtime teacher for Wausa Public Schools has decided to step down from her position.

The school district’s board of education approved Monday the resignation of business education teacher Dawn Friedrich, who has decided to retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year.

According to her resignation letter, Friedrich is going to retire after 35 years of teaching, including 24 years with the Wausa school district as a business education instructor, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) adviser, National Honor Society adviser and coach.

“I’ve decided that it’s time for me to retire at the end of the 2021-22 school year,” Friedrich wrote. “I’ve given considerable thought to this significant decision over the past couple years, but I feel this is the right time to retire.”

She noted during her time at Wausa Public Schools, her greatest achievement has been her students.

She noted she has sincerely appreciated the of support of the Wausa school district during her tenure.

“Because of our shared accomplishments, I’ll always consider myself as part of the school,” Friedrich wrote. “I wish all of my colleagues the best and I am certain that Wausa Public Schools will continue to grow and be successful.”

Board member Pepper West was bummed to hear about Friedrich’s retirement, but was happy for her Dawn at the same time.

“She’ll be hard to replace,” West said.

Superintendent Brad Hoesing hated to see someone as talented as Friedrich retire, but understood her decision.

“I’m super happy for her,” he said. “I’m happy for her and I wish her the best. She can go spend a lot more time on the golf course and a lot more time chasing grandkids, so good for her.”

Hoesing noted the school district is advertising Friedrich’s position in order to find her replacement.

“We’ll see what we can get,” he said.

Board president Mike Kumm noted the school board expresses its appreciation to Friedrich for her longtime dedication to Wausa students.

“She has been a significant teacher Friedrich here for 24 years and has contributed a lot,” he said.

Hoesing emphasized again that he is sad to see Friedrich retire, but was happy for her at the same time.

“We thank her for her years of service to our school and community,” Hoesing said. “She’s been a very valuable asset not just to our school, but our community.”