Staff writer
Two retired teachers were brought back to teach vocal music and band at USD 408 because of the early departure of Chris Barlow.
Mike Connell was hired to teach band for the rest of the school year, and Anita Hancock will teach K-2 vocal music and high school guitar.
Connell retired in 2008 after about 30 years with the district.
“He’s a tremendous instrumental musician and teacher, and we are fortunate to have him,” superintendent Lee Leiker said. “I am expecting him to do a marvelous job.”
Hancock formally retired in 2007 after about 18 years with the district. She has worked part-time and as a substitute teacher since then.
The two began duties last week after band and vocal teacher Chris Barlow, who had earlier submitted his resignation effective the end of the school year, left early because of personal reasons, Leiker said. Barlow earlier said he and his wife, Kate Barlow, would move to Salina.
Earlier this month, the school district hired Dmitry Bucklin, a teacher of three years at Beloit schools, to fill Barlow’s position for the 2016-2017 school year.