After a 32 year long career in Education, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Lori Ames will be retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year. The district has been incredibly fortunate to have had Lori's thoughtful leadership and well-rounded knowledge for all these years.
When asked to reflect on her time here at MCPASD, Lori replied, "I have been blessed to spend my entire career working in public education. I have met and served with some amazing individuals. Their boundless energy and intelligence have challenged and inspired me to do better. I am thankful for all of the opportunities MCPASD has provided. My lens and vision have expanded so much
during the last 10 years, and I am a better person as a result."
Lori began her career in 1990 as a business assistant at Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District and has spent the last 32 years learning a little more every day. Her passion for education stemmed from the inspiring people she was surrounded by. "When I think back on my life path, I feel pride. I feel pride in working with others for the greater good - the greater good for our students, families, and communities," said Ames.
As one might imagine, after 32 years, Lori has become a wealth of knowledge to her colleagues. Not only that, but she has truly been a friend to all.
We asked many colleagues how Lori has impacted their lives.
Here is what they said.
"Lori has provided competent and compassionate leadership in her role as Assistant Superintendent of Operations. She cares deeply about her work and the people in our district. I have personally benefited from her expertise, analytical skills, candor, willingness to provide advice and support, and incredible sense of humor. She carries the weight of responsibility for student and staff success very personally and puts 110% into everything she does."
Superintendent Dr. Dana Monogue
"Lori Ames has been wonderful to work for and with. She allows you to manage your work without micromanaging and is supportive of your efforts. Her laugh is infectious and her honesty is blunt when needed and genuinely caring. Thank You, Lori for all you have done!" \
-Bill Eberhart, Construction Project Manager.
"It has been an absolute joy working with Lori throughout the years. She has been nothing but supportive to the Nutritional Services team. We worked together to find processes that ensured the students and staff of the district were well served over the Covid closures. That meant the world to my team as a whole and me! Thank you, Lori, and enjoy your retirement; it's well deserved!"
-Amy Jungbluth, Nutrition Services Coordinator
When I think about Lori, it automatically brings a smile to my face. She is a great mentor, friend, and leader to everyone in this district. Lori has been so supportive of our communications work and has always been there to lend a helping hand. She is very detailed oriented and always gives it her absolute best!
When I first spoke with Lori during my interview process, I appreciated her warm and friendly attitude. Little did she know that she was one of the reasons I accepted this position. Being a great leader is not easy, and it's not every day that you get to work with an amazing one. Thank you, Lori for showing me such kindness. I will never forget how amazing you were to work with. Enjoy your retirement! You deserve it!"
-Shannon Valladolid, Director of Information and Public Relations
"Fiscally responsible, leader, motivator, colleague, student-centered, community partner are only a few of the words that describe the incredible person Lori Ames is and has embodied in her roles at the MCPASD. She is thoughtful, analytical, and caring, which is evident in her daily work for our students, staff and the greater community. Thank you for your expertise, insight, leadership, and care all of these years!"
-Erin Wheeler, Director of Finance and Operations
"While I have not had the pleasure of knowing Lori for very long, I immediately noticed three characteristics: detailed-oriented, down-to-earth approach and humorous! Lori is always prepared and takes pride in her work. Her documents are accurate and very helpful to our decision-making. Her down-to-earth personality and her ability to say the right thing at the right time to ease the tension in the room are appreciated. It's hard to take very technical information and make it understandable to all those in education (admin/BOE/staff/families) and Lori does just that--makes it understandable! I have enjoyed her sense of humor. We have to laugh together at work and I appreciated her humor! Best of luck in retirement Lori!"
-Keith Schneider, Director of Middle School Education
"Lori is an amazing person, mentor, and friend. I have truly enjoyed working with and learning from her. She is an incredible leader who supports and cares for the members of our school district. She is brilliant and taught me so much about the business systems and operations of the school district. I appreciate her incredible knowledge and her witty sense of humor. She can always put a smile on my face and brings so much joy to her colleagues!"
-Marybeth Paulisse, Director of Elementary Education
"One of the things that has really resonated with me is Lori's commitment to and concern for students. Upon joining our team, Lori immediately engaged in our equity work. She sought out counterparts in districts across the country who were approaching business and operations work from an equity lens. Her student-centered lens is one of the things I most appreciate and will miss most about her."
-Sherri Cyra, Deputy Superintendent
Thank you Lori for 10 years of service to our District and for being a wonderful friend and colleague. Best of luck to you in your retirement!