Ford reflects on school career

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — In 36 years of working in the Post Falls School District, Becky Ford was content enough to never leave.

Ford — assistant superintendent for the past 17 years, and with multiple teaching and administrative positions before that — will retire this summer.

"It is easy to say that Post Falls has been the right fit," she said. "The working environment is dedicated to helping students be successful, and no matter what obstacle we encounter, we always come back to what students need to help guide our decision making. I have been proud and humbled to be part of that continuing culture."

Ford started at the district in 1982 as a kindergarten teacher at Ponderosa Elementary. She continued to teach at the school in different grades until 1989.

From 1989 until 2001 her positions included, in order: interim principal at Seltice Elementary, Chapter I reading and math director, principal at Frederick Post and Prairie View elementary schools and director of Elementary Programs.

"I have a deep sense of gratitude for all of the different responsibilities and roles I have had in the district," she said. "Post Falls has been very good to me, and it has been exciting to grow with the district and see the fabulous community support that has grown over the years."

Anna Wilson, who has worked in the Coeur d'Alene School District, will replace Ford in July.

Wilson has been that district's Director of Title Programs for the past four years. She was previously the principal at Ramsey Magnet School of Science for seven years, an assistant principal at Canfield Middle School for three years and a teacher at Canfield for 10 years.

Ford said the most lasting memory she'll have is the day-to-day working relationships she has had with staff.

She said she'll never forget the high school bond that passed by one vote.

"Since that day, we have had increasing voter support and have built three new elementary schools, one new middle school and have made additions to the high school," she said. "It has been exciting to be a part of this growth."

Ford said her last day will be June 29, but she'll be the spokesperson for the district's negotiating team on the teacher contract, so that may run longer into the summer.

"I have loved the journey in Post Falls, and it is pretty bittersweet to think of retiring, but I am also very excited to open the next chapter," she said. "I look forward to spending more time with my amazing family, and then I look forward to exploring the things I have not had time to pursue."