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Joe Meyer and Della Haupert
“I like organization and to keep things in order.” Those are the words of one of Murray County Central’s administrative assistants, Della Haupert who has kept things “in order” for the Chandler-Lake Wilson, Central and West Elementary schools for thirty years. Della recently retired from this full-time position, and she will be missed by staff and school families alike.
In 1986 Della began working as a preschool paraprofessional for the Chandler-Lake Wilson district. She then switched to a paraprofessional position with one elementary student, and worked with him for four years. When the student moved from the district in the middle of the school year however, she faced a change. “I have always felt this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” said Della. “One door would close, but another door opens right away.” The elementary school secretary position had been vacant for several months with no permanent replacement. Della was offered the position, but at first she said no. After considering it for a few weeks,she changed her mind, soon realizing it was the best fit for her skills. Of course she faced another change when in 1999 the building closed. But at the same time the West Elementary school nurse retired, the secretary moved into the nursing position and the administrative assistant position was open for Della. “Again, when one thing came to an end, another opportunity opened - I always felt like this was my niche,” reflected Della. And many people agree. For several years Della worked with principal Sally Berg. She commented, “Della brought so many qualities to her position of Administrative Assistant. I appreciated her calmness, her predictability, her joyful demeanor and her loyalty to the school district. However, I think the quality that I most appreciated was her kindness towards the students. Della knew that children came to the office for many things; that “tummy ache” may have been worrying about a math lesson. Della knew these things and always let children be heard, valued and treated in a positive way. Her kind and friendly face always made our school welcoming to parents, children, and visitors.” Teacher Nancy Boerboom added, “Della and I are the only two employees left from my very first year teaching at C-LW. Janese Siedschlag and Mark Carlson joined the staff the following year. We were a small close knit group and Della was the go to for anything and everything, as she has continued to be up to the present! We have had four different principals in that time period, with four very yton different personalities and styles. I have admired how well Della has handled those changes and just continued to do her job of keeping our school functioning!! I have always appreciated Dellas’s quiet, sincere, professional attitude. She knows all and sees all, but I have never heard her utter an unkind word or gossip about anyone in all the years I have worked with her. She is so very professional! I also appreciate that she never makes me feel stupid when I ask her something that I should very well know the answer to. Della will be truly missed but I am so happy for her to begin this next phase of her life! She deserves it!!” Teacher Tina Bengtson described Della as, “Dependable, trustworthy, calm, patient, sweet, helpful....the glue that holds our office together.” And Principal Todd Burlingame stated, “Della never wants to be the center of attention. She is a dedicated individual who is truly committed to education and the efficient operation of MCC Elementary. She is excellent with deadlines and is willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
Thirty-five years ago Della began working for the Chandler-Lake Wilson school district because she wanted a job that coincided with the schedules of her young children. “I stayed because I loved it so much and I was blessed with the opportunity. But now I’m excited and ready to retire. I’m a homebody so I’m looking forward to spending time at home.” The community has been blessed by her many years of faithful service and extend a hearty congratulations and thank you!
