SIDNEY -- Sidney School District Board of Education meeting included 11 staff resignations on Monday night. 

The list of resignations includes David and Jennifer Mead who made their intentions known earlier this year. 

“Over the past 29 years, I have taught in every school in our district, and it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as an educator and mentor to the wonderful students of Sidney at every stage in their development,” Jennifer Mead said in her resignation letter. 

She said she is forever grateful for the support and trust of the parents and guardians of the students she taught. 

“After careful and thorough consideration, I have determined that the employment options provided by the District as well as the current culture at SPS do not align with my personal and professional goals, and therefore I have made the very difficult decision that my time at SPS has been fulfilled,” she said in her resignation. 

She said public school teaching has been her passion for the last 33 years. 

Jay Portenier submitted his resignation as the teacher/instructor for the Sidney High School Woods program. In his letter, he said he has taught Automotive, Small Engines, Electronics, Electricity, Metals, Welding, 8th Grade Technology and Woods. 

“... it is with a heavy heart that I will open a new chapter in my life, where I will miss not being involved with students, some so dear to me,” he said in his resignation. 

Rebecca Sager, Secondary Science Department Chair and National Honor Society Advisor, submitted her resignation after more than two decades in Sidney schools. 

“During my 22 years at Sidney Public Schools, I have had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of colleagues who helped create a positive work environment, one I looked forward to every day,” Sager said. 

She said after 34 years teaching, Sidney will always hold a special place in her heart. 

 Paul Newland submitted his resignation as Weights/Strength and Conditioning teacher, and 9-12 Physical Education teacher, effective May 23, 2025. 

“I am beyond grateful and proud in the Sidney Public School District for the past 18 years,” he said. 

He said he enjoyed working as administrator, teacher and coach. He added he is eager to continue his career as an administrator in another district. 

Art teacher Darla Dart said in her resignation “teaching my subject. Matter has been a dream come true.” She is resigning to move closer to her hometown. 

Central Elementary School Principal Erin Meyer submitted her resignation.  

“This decision does not come lightly, as Sidney Public Schools has been more than a workplace to me – it has been a home where I have grown as an educator, a leader and a person for the last 20 years,” she said. 

He husband, Rick Meyer, earlier announced his resignation from South Elementary School to be the new superintendent at Lakeview Community School District. 

Fourth Grade West Elementary Teacher Katie Jessen is resigning. She is resigning to spend more time with her children. 

Melissa Roelle, 5th Grade teacher at West Elementary School, is resigning. 

“During my time here, I have gained so many experiences and friendships with the great educators I have worked with. I will always value my time at West Elementary,” she said in her resignation. 

Noah Burtis is resigning after 1 ½ years as Social Science teacher. He has accepted a Social Science teaching position at West Point Beemer High School. 

Sidney Public Schools Speech-Language Pathologist is resigning. Her resignation is effective at the completion of the school year. 

“It has been a privilege to work with the students, faculty and staff at Sidney Public Schools. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to the educational and personal development of the students I have served,” she said in her resignation.