SAYREVILLE – A longtime bus driver in the Sayreville School District is retiring from a position in the district that she has held since she was 18.
The retirement of Kathleen Kunzman was honored by the Board of Education on Sept. 17. Her retirement will become effective Nov. 1.
According to Superintendent of Schools Richard Labbe, Kunzman has worked in the district for four decades.
“Kathleen Kunzman, a bus driver, who started her career with us at the age of 18, has decided that she’s going to retire,” Labbe said. “She’ll be retiring on Nov. 1. Kathy has been driving our students for 41 years. She has driven also for the brain-injured camp for many years as well. We wish Kathy well in the next chapter of her life and wish her health and happiness.
“Kathy, you will be missed by all,” he said. “Enjoy your retirement. And on the behalf of the Sayreville Board of Education, administration and staff, we congratulate Mrs. Kunzman on her retirement and wish her nothing but the very best.”
Board President Kevin Ciak, who had Kunzman as a driver while he was a student in the Sayreville School District, also voiced praise.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to Kathy Kuzman,” Ciak said. “She was my bus driver. A phenomenal lady, a phenomenal individual and just someone who really, really cared for every single one of our children. Thank you for a career well spent in Sayreville.”
Prior to her retirement becoming effective, the board retroactively approved Kunzman to be paid 7.5 hours per day for 2018-19. According to district administrators, this change in her hours were modified because of a new driving route she received for the school year.