MADISON TOWNSHIP — When Carrie Hughes was a beginning teacher in Hemet, California, Macintosh computers were the latest new technology making their way into schools.
“Being out West, Apple computers came into the schools around 1982,” she said. “A lot of people thought they were just going to be a passing fancy.”
Computers turned out to have a lasting impact on education — and so did Hughes. She’s wrapping up her 44th year in the field and her 27th year teaching at Madison South Elementary.
Hughes was honored during Wednesday’s Madison Local school board meeting.
Principal Nicole Cox of Madison South presented Hughes with a small bouquet and a Madison Rams blanket. A gaggle of second graders presented her with a group hug.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Hughes said moments later when the boys and girls released their grip.
Then she turned to the board.
“These are mine,” she said.
A native of San Diego, Hughes began her career in teaching outside of Palm Springs with a K-12th grade educator license.
“I taught sixth through 12th grade — various sundry subjects — coached, I was also a guidance counselor,” she said.
“I was told in college, if you’re going to pick a career, pick something that you like to do. I’ve always liked going to school, so I became a teacher.”
She moved to Mansfield in 1997 and got a job at Madison South. She’s been there ever since.
“My mother and grandparents on that side are all from the Mansfield area,” she said. “I can remember the stories my mother and my grandmother told of how great a school district Madison was.”
Most of Hughes’ time at Madison South has been spent in a second grade classroom. She said her favorite thing about the job has been her students and their eagerness to learn.
Her co-workers are a close second.
“My staff at South is phenomenal. We back each other up, we help each other out. There’s nothing we won’t do for each other,” she said. “It’s not really work. I get paid to come and have a good time every day.”
Hughes said she enjoys the second grade because the students are old enough to be a bit independent, but young enough that they still carry a sense of wonder.
“They are so inquisitive. They listen for the most part,” she said. “They’re very flexible in trying new things. They don’t quite have the attitude.
“They still love to learn and they love their teacher.”
Hughes said her best advice for up-and-coming educators is to do everything they can and not to worry about the rest.
“You have to pour a certain amount of your life into your work, but give yourself permission to relax and enjoy,” she said. “Things work out. Do your best. That’s all anybody asks.
Baseball program gets six-figure donation from former coach
The Madison school board also approved various financial matters, including a list of donations, during Wednesday’s meeting.
Supt. Rob Peterson informed the board that former Madison baseball coach James Runyon and his wife Miriam had left a donation of $126,699.71 in their will for the baseball program.
According to Peterson, Runyon coached at Madison in the last 1960s and early 1970s.
“We’re very thankful and appreciative that as he was making his will, he thought of us,” Peterson said.
In other business:
- Peterson announced the retirement of Don Maxey, who began his career as an auto body teacher and currently teaches welding. Maxey is a Madison graduate. His last day is May 31.
- The board announced a weekly tuition rate increase for the Madison Early Childhood Learning Center, effective June 3. Infant tuition will increase to $225 per week. Toddler tuition will increase to $200 per week. Part-time preschool will increase to $100 weekly; full-time will increase to $175. School age tuition will increase to $160 per week in the summer. Latchkey tuition will increase to $70 per week for morning or afternoon and $95 per week for both.
- The board approved a net reduction in force of 11 teaching positions, effective in the 2024-2025 school year, due to enrollment decline.