Buffalo Community Invited to Celebrate Gonzalez Retirement

An employee of the Johnson County School District will be celebrated this week as she retires after 25-plus years with the district.

Gina Gonzalez started with the district in January of 2001.

She has worked at Meadowlark Elementary School as a Title 1 Paraprofessional and as an instructional paraprofessional, as well as performing crosswalk duty.

Gonzalez received the RISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) award in 2025 from Governor Mark Gordon.

It is a national honor given each year by the US Department of Education to classified school employees who go above and beyond to support students and their schools. It recognizes the significant contributions of these often unsung heroes, promoting quality education and fostering positive learning environments. 

The district invites the community to celebrate Mrs. Gonzalez’s retirement this Wednesday, May 20 in the Meadowlark gym from 3:30 to 4:30 that afternoon.