Saputo saying good-bye to a 'great place'
April 3, 2008
Cathy Saputo was only looking for a job while her daughters were young. Some 32 years later, the longtime Blue Springs School District secretary is retiring from a place she came to call home.
“I started with the school district thinking it would be nice to work there while my girls were in school,” said Saputo, who has been at Sunny Vale Middle School the past five years. “But I loved it so much that I didn’t leave. The district is just a great place to work and I have been blessed to work with so many fantastic people.”
Saputo began her district tenure splitting time between Thomas Ultican Elementary and James Lewis Elementary. She then spent four years as a health aide at William Yates Elementary before joining the staff at Hall-McCarter and staying there the next 21 years. “I have worked with so many different people and seen so many kids come through, but there have been a lot of changes over the years,” Saputo said. “Keeping up with technology is something that keeps you on your toes, and the district has grown so much.”
And even though Cathy still loves her job, she thought after 32 years in the district, the time had come to retire. “I still love my job, but I have five grandkids and my husband Tom is retiring this year. It was just the right time.” But Saputo also admits she typed her retirement letter and then kept it in her desk drawer for two weeks before turning it in and making it official.
After 32 years in the district, Saputo’s retirement announcement definitely struck a chord with her co-workers and friends. “Cathy is amazing. I have known her since my 41-year-old son was in seventh grade,” said Sunny Vale teacher Debbie Martin. “I know I can always count on Cathy for instruction, support, a shoulder to cry on and a smile every day. Her loss will be immeasurable and I will miss her dreadfully.”
Added SVMS Principal Beverly Leonard, “Cathy is the most compassionate, caring person I know. She has been the heart and soul of Hall-McCarter and Sunny Vale for 26 years. She has survived numerous principals and probably knows more about the BSSD than most. She will be greatly missed.”
Saputo will also miss the people she worked hand-in-hand with the past 32 years, and, of course, the students. “There are so many fantastic people. Bob Hatfield was someone I enjoyed working with so much, as well as Carole Gran and Nancy Stonner. Bev Leonard has been a fantastic boss and friend. The people are what make the district. It is also neat to see kids coming through here whose parents were students back when I first started.”
Cathy said she plans on staying in touch with kids by substitute teaching next year. “I look back and can’t believe it has been 32 years. But I am looking forward to spending time with my family, my grandkids and the friends I have made working here.”
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