The Perfect Ten

Article By Greg Jaklewicz

We could call them The Perfect Ten simply because there are 10 retirees in the Wylie ISD this year. That, however, isn’t all the recognition these folks deserve.

On May 5, 10 faculty and staff across the district were recognized for the service to education and, particularly, to the district.

Retiring this month are:

Melinda Bacon, Wylie High School
DeeDee Baker, Wylie High School
Meyra Davison, Wylie West Intermediate
Jo Gipson, Wylie East Elementary
Sandra Merck, Wylie East Elementary
Brack Jones, Wylie Intermediate
Lillian Jones, Wylie West Junior High
Sylvia Martinez, Wylie High School
Christina Mora, Wylie West Elementary
Harold Salmon, Wylie West Junior High

Their combined service to the district totals 177 years. The total tops more than 250

A ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon at the WISD Performing Arts Center. There, Superintendent Joey Light and others praised their individual service to the district.

“I appreciate not just the work you have done for the Wylie ISD, but for some of you,other school districts. Thank you for all the kids you have had an impact on,” Light said.

‘I love Wylie’

(Superintendent Joey Light)

“We’ve got a great group that has meant a lot to the Wylie ISD. A lot of years,” Light said.

Retirement, he said, is a natural progression in life.

“Harold has been progressing toward that for many years,” Light joked, indicating the heartfelt words at the ceremony would be mixed with humor.

Looking back, however, shines a spotlight on what these 10 people are leaving behind for others to build on, said WHS Principal Reagan Berry, who introduced her group of retirees.

“That’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Light gave a green light to parting shots - he had a few of his own, and those started with Brack Jones, who was the first to announce his retirement.

“Twelve more days,” Jones said.

“But who’s counting?” Light answered.

“Who’s counting?” Jones echoed, shrugging.

Jones said that at one point, he was out the door in education but came back to serve the WISD.

“And we’re glad you did,” Light said.

Turning toward Lillian Jones, Light added, “We appreciate everything you have done.”

Some retirees naturally progressed into education, some coming from education-led families. Others exited their comfort zone.

One of those was Salmon, who had retired from a long career in law enforcement.

(Assistant Superintendent Craig Bessent)

Craig Bessent, the district’s assistant superintendent for operations, recruited Salmon and encouraged him to change roles from being an investigator to being a protector. Bessent told Salmon the Wylie job might be his “hardest gig ever.”

“And he stepped up,” Bessent said.

Bessent said it may be hard for people to love a warrior … until a warrior is needed. WISD got that with Salmon.

“Our students and our staff need someone who is looking out for them,” Bessent said, describing a need in education today.

Salmon was presented a photo of himself on a rustic porch, with the words “Cranky Ass” printed on the image. A gift from his marshal pals.

Light was quick to say some words and gifts were not sanctioned by the school district. That added to the laughs.

Salmon's final words were, “I love Wylie.”

Bessent, seated at his table, commented aloud, “And that’s enough.”

Leaving legacies

There were inside references and personal comments.

Baker was announced as a Golden Girl from her West Junior High days. She later explained that there were four teachers who, one day, realized they weren’t getting any younger. They were becoming Golden Girls, referring to the popular TV sitcom.

On a serious side, Baker’s legacy to Wylie High was heading Unified Bulldogs, a program of inclusivity for special students. Her son, Bryson, is one. He was at the ceremony, wearing his No. 89 football jersey. It’s the same number his older brother wore as Bulldogs.

“The kindness that has been shown on our campus and inclusivity that our campus has embraced … that will be DeeDee’s legacy,” Berry said. That element to education makes what she called “the Wylie bubble” different from other districts.

Baker’s parting shot was launched at Light.

“Was that an interview?” she asked herself after interviewing with him years ago. “I felt like I was talking to my dad.”

But, she added, “I worked her for two weeks and I told my husband, ‘We’re not leaving.’”

Martinez, Berry said, was the queen of the 600 hall at the high school. She joined the Wylie family from Abilene High, Martinez said.

“I loved Abilene High, but this is family,” she said.

Martinez was entrusted with math competition and multiplied Wylie’s success, Light said.

Also teaching algebra, Martinez was famous for her yearly countdowns, from the first day of school to the last. She combined respect and humor, Berry said.

The principal called Bacon a colleague and mentor, though Berry was the boss.

“She held me to a higher standard,” said Berry, who has been at WHS for 11 of Bacon’s 29 years. “She was an easy ear for me to talk to. She was an encourager.”

Mora was called “the most wonderful teacher.” by East Elementary Principal Lisa Bessent.

And, “most wonderful, sweet and adoring” teacher.

“It has just been a joy being here,” said Mora, who started as an aide.

Bacon is the daughter of former WISD superintendent Cecil Davis, thus someone that Light knew well.

“We love you and we love your family,” Light said, acknowledging her almost lifelong involvement in the WISD.

Gipson served on all but one campus during her long tenure. She started in 1985 (Light thought it was 1983, throwing off his math).

She never intended to stay that long.

“I just never left,” she said.

Said Light, “She did everything. The wheels on the bus go round and round, and she was driving for many years.”

Gipson, like nine others this month, now are headed down a different road.

Did you know?

Here are a few interesting facts.

Brack and Lillian Jones are husband and wife. Come June 1, they will be married for 30 years, and their children Brooke and Logan are WHS grads
A musician and singer, Brack Jones recorded a tribute to late rocker Tom Petty title “Ode to Tom” that made Texas and European music charts and was played across the pond.
Gipson has taught nine subjects over her career. Her biggest challenge was cheer sponsor; she lasted two years
Bacon, who attended Wylie schools K-12, played on a Wylie basketball team against Hawley, coached by Light (Wylie won, handily). Light still can’t help calling her Mindy, as she was known back in the day.
Salmon was the first full-time campus marshal hired by the district. Currently, there are 10 in the district.
Gipson once headed a student-operated radio station.
The Joneses met at a financial aid event at McMurry. Both were going into the education field. They found out that his fourth-grade teacher was the mother of her fifth-grade teacher.
Mora and Davison are the only two of the 10 to have attended school outside of Texas

Meet the retirees

(L-R: Brack Jones, Lillian Jones, Melinda Bacon, Sylvia Martinez, Dee Dee Baker, Jo Gipson, Christina Mora, Harold Salmon)

Each retiree was asked a set of questions. Here are their responses:

Melinda Bacon

NAME YOU GO BY: Melinda
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: English teacher at all four levels and dual credit/ head of the English department
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: JV cheer sponsor, student council sponsor, taught special education and dyslexia
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 29
TENURE IN WISD: 29 years
WHY WYLIE: I was born and raised in Abilene and actually graduated from Wylie. I met my husband and we decided to stay in Abilene.
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Wylie ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: My husband, father, mother and brother-in-law.
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: None
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “Both of my parents were educators and I was not going to be a teacher. The Lord had other plans for me so I became a teacher.”
HIGHLIGHT: “I have loved every minute of teaching at Wylie. I cherish the relationships I have built with students and co-workers. One of my favorite things is seeing past students and getting to marvel at their successes in life. I have been teaching long enough that I am now teaching children of students I had many years ago. That is fun.”
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “Technology. I started my career using Vis-A-Vis pens, transparencies and an overhead projector. Now, everything is online and very interactive.
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “The students and my co-workers.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS:
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Be patient and build relationships. You never know what battles these students are facing outside of this building.”

DeeDee Baker

(L-R: High School Principal Reagan Berry, Dee Dee Baker, Joey Light)

NAME YOU GO BY: DeeDee
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: DAEP teacher and Unified Bulldogs coach
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: 7th and 8th grade girls coach; 8th grade and high school health teacher; 7th grade Texas history teacher
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 32
TENURE IN WISD: 27 years
WHY WYLIE: “I had taught at two other schools before coming to Wylie. After I worked at Wylie for a couple of weeks, I felt a difference in this school. Amazing teachers, amazing kids, amazing family and community support. I knew right then that this was the place I wanted to raise my family. All 3 of my boys attended Wylie kindergarten-12th grade. Baylen Baker 2015 graduate, Brodey Baker 2020 graduate, and this year our youngest Bryson Baker will be a 2026 graduate.”
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Shallowater ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: None
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: Retail jobs through college
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “I had a coach and his wife was my teacher as well. She told me that she thought I would be a great teacher/coach. I admired both of them so much and this led me to seriously think about education as a career.”
HIGHLIGHT: “I think being able to start the Unified Bulldog program at WHS. Having a son with Down syndrome, I have always wanted him to just be a regular kid first and get to be involved in school activities. Wylie has always done a great job of inclusion, Bryson got to play football from 7th grade on and actually got to be on varsity the last 2 years. Unified is just one more way to get kids like him involved in school. I am so grateful that Reagan Berry trusted me to start the program. The day she asked me, I was a bit hesitant, but it truly has been the highlight of my teaching career.”
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “Technology for sure and the impact of social media. They are both great tools, but are also a hindrance to the education process as a whole.”
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “Getting to know the kids and the family atmosphere that Wylie has always given me.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “Always be kind.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Be patient, treat them with respect, and always look at them as your own child. How would you want someone to treat your child and then treat other children the same way.”

Meyra Davison

NAME YOU GO BY: Meyra
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: Fourth grade reading and language arts teacher
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: N/A
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 12
TENURE IN WISD: 12 years
WHY WYLIE: My own children attended Wylie, and we have been very blessed to be part of the Wylie district
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Miami Palmetto High School, Miami, Florida
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: My aunt was a teacher in Cuba
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: I was an attorney prior to becoming a teacher
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “ I was considering a different career, and had been spending a lot of time at the Wylie schools as a substitute teacher. I loved teaching the kids and watching them learn.
HIGHLIGHT: The kids that I have taught are the highlight of my career.”
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: My understanding of the public schools, and how they work.
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “I will miss my co-workers and the students.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “You need to have an open heart for all the students, and to meet them at their level.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Teach with love. Remember that all of the kids have their own issues and may need you to love on them. Also remember to take care of yourself because it will allow you to give more to the kids.”

Jo Gipson

NAME YOU GO BY: Jo
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: P.E. teacher, Wylie East Elementary
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: Right now, yearbook sponsor for six campuses and morning and afternoon bus driver. In the years past: Eight-grade girls basketball and track coach, assistant disc golf sponsor/coach, sponsor of the junior high radio station KWJH "The Dawg”; and West junior high cheerleading sponsor for two years. Things I have taught: English, French, Spanish, reading, yearbook, multiMedia, theater arts, photojournalism, PE
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 41
TENURE IN WISD: 41 years
WHY WYLIE: “ I went to McMurry University and knew a lot about Wylie because my husband and his family went to school here. Plus, it was the first job offered to me.”
SCHOOL DISTRICTS YOU ATTENDED: Surrey/Rosser,Three Way, Irion County, Eula
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: My daughter is a Pre-K teacher in the Wylie ISD, and my mom and dad were in the education business. My dad was a superintendent and my mom was a special education teacher.
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: I worked in an insurance office.
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “ My parents and my coaches. My goal was to coach.”
HIGHLIGHT: “ Teacher of the year award. Undefeated basketball seasons. "Truly Great" coach award from a third-grade class. Watching my daughter graduate from Wylie, then become a teacher and a mom. “
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: Special education and discipline
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “The students and all the positive people I work with.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “I don't remember getting any.
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: Love the students where they are, use consequences as needed,then love them some more.”

Lillian Jones

NAME YOU GO BY: Lillian
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: Sixth-grade RLA, Wylie West Junior HIgh
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: Sixth-grade social studies
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 29
TENURE IN WISD: 10 years
WHY WYLIE: Wylie's tradition of academic excellence
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Merkel ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: My husband and my grandmother
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: NA
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.”
HIGHLIGHT: Seeing students overcome challenges to be successful.
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “A massive increase in the amount of paperwork and the increased high-stakes nature of standardized testing for students, teachers, and school districts.”
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “The students and my sixth-grade hall team.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “Be firm with discipline from the beginning.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Be firm with discipline from the beginning, build relationships, lean into the trends and fads that are of student interest, and have a sense of humor - especially if you teach junior high.”

Brack Jones

NAME YOU GO BY: Brack Jones
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: Music teacher, West Intermediate
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: Bus driver
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 29
TENURE IN WISD: 10 years
WHY WYLIE: “My family needed a change in our educational environment. Wylie was a neighboring district with more educational opportunities for the kids, and an opportunity for me to get out of administration and back to teaching music, social studies and ELA. The middle school had a position available for both Lillian and me, and it felt like an easy decision and a perfect match.”
**SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED:**Hart ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: My mom, Diane Jones. My wife, Lillian
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: None (and, hopefully, none after …)
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “It was my community growing up. Everyone I knew was an educator. My mom told me to do anything but education, but here we are. It’s also what I told Brooke, and she seemed to listen better than I did.”
HIGHLIGHT: “ I was able to be the principal for both of my kids. Brooke in fourth grade, and Logan in third.”
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “Generic technology answer, but I mean the access outside the school as well. The shortening of attention spans, access to inappropriate and incorrect information taken as gospel is sometimes pretty tough competition for the classroom.”
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “ I’ve ended up at the perfect age group for me. The third- and fourth-grade students are old enough to tie their own shoes and wipe their own noses, but they still love their teachers. I’ve had all ages from third grade through seniors, and the intermediate grades are a special age. I’ll miss the positive interactions, introducing their favorite “new” song - “Cat’s in the Cradle” - and then blowing their minds when they learn that it’s from 1974.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “Every day will be different. Be flexible. Adapt. Quit taking it personally.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Boundaries. Let them know you love them. Be passionate about what you’re teaching, but never leave any doubt that you;re a friendly teacher, not a friend.”

Sylvia Martinez

NAME YOU GO BY: Sylvia
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: Math teacher, Wylie High School
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: High school investigative math coach
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 28 LONG years
TENURE IN WISD: 17 years
WHY WYLIE: Worked at Abilene High and was not happy.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS YOU ATTENDED: Abilene ISD and Wylie ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: None
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: Accounts receivable clerk
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: “ Love math, thought I could have my summers with my kids.”
HIGHLIGHT: Investigative math at the junior high winning state
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “Students’ desire to learn.”
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “The students who want to learn.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “You can work hard right not, or hard the rest of your life.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE:” Be firm, but fair.”

Sandra Merck

NAME YOU GO BY: Sandra
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: receptionist/attendance at Wylie East Intermediate
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: NA
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 36
TENURE IN WISD: 13 years
WHY WYLIE: It’s where my kiddos graduated and it's a great school both academically and socially
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Alvarado ISD
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: None
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: Owner, Just Kids Preschool, 23 years; investigator/inspection representative for State Child Care Licensing
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: NA
HIGHLIGHT: Lifetime friendships formed
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: NA
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST:
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “Always have humor in every situation with plenty of patience.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “ Always have humor in every situation with plenty of patience and understanding.”

Christina Mora

NAME YOU GO BY: Christina, or at school my students call me Mrs. Mora
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: First-grade teacher, Wylie West Elementary
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: NA
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 26
TENURE IN WISD: 8 years
WHY WYLIE: I chose Wylie because they truly focus on meeting the needs of every student.
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Hobbs Municipal Schools, Hobbs, NM
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: I was the first to become a teacher in my family, my oldest daughter has followed in my footsteps and currently teaches in San Antonio.
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: NA
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: I’ve always had a passion for working with young children. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and help them build a love for learning.
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: Technology has changed the most. It is now central, when in the past it wasn't even an option. During COVID, we had to go virtual, that was a big challenge, but we adapted.
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “I will miss my students, their hugs and the daily connections. I will also miss the friendships I made and my colleagues.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Remember your ‘why.’ Some days will be challenging, be patient, be flexible, build strong relationships and always remember why you chose to teach.”

Harold Salmon

NAME YOU GO BY: Harold
CURRENT ROLE IN WISD: School operations, Wylie West Junior High
OTHER ROLES FOR THE DISTRICT: NA
YEARS IN EDUCATION FIELD: 10
TENURE IN WISD: 10
WHY WYLIE: Opportunity to start a new position
SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU ATTENDED: Oklahoma City Public Schools
EDUCATORS IN YOUR FAMILY: Wife, Lisa, is principal of Wylie Early Childhood
JOBS HELD BEFORE EDUCATION, IF ANY: Police officer and detective, city of Odessa; state of Texas, troop for Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
WHAT LED YOU INTO EDUCATION: Opportunity to be a school marshal
HIGHLIGHT: NA
WHAT CHANGED THE MOST DURING YOUR ED CAREER: “The security level required by the state.”
WHAT YOU WILL MISS THE MOST: “The kids and the staff.”
ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUNGSTERS: “My wife told me to be patient.”
ADVICE YOU NOW WOULD GIVE: “Do the best you can and enjoy the job.”

Additional Photos Below:

Special Thanks to Wylie Bulldog Culinary Students

Retirement Spotlight: The Perfect Ten