On Monday, December 8, friends, family, and coworkers who have become friends and like family, gathered together for a reception to celebrate Karen Linder’s retirement effective January 5.
Karen has served Pampa ISD for 31 years, starting her career at Woodrow Wilson Elementary as the campus secretary before moving to the Administration building while it was still located in the old Carver Center. She would work for a year in the Curriculum Department and then become the Superintendent Secretary where she served under seven superintendents.
Current superintendent, Hugh Piatt, expressed how much he appreciates Karen and all the hard work she has done over the years for Pampa ISD and the community, and as happy as he is that she is able to finally enjoy a well-deserved retirement, it just won’t be the same without her.
“How do you replace a legend?” he said. “She’ll do anything for anybody, and does it with such a great heart for people. She’s a true servant. She’s got so many skills and she’s wonderful with people. For all of our Hall of Fame recipient people, she’s their first contact that they hear, and every one of them sings her praises and talks about how kind she is and how thorough and organized she is. She’s often the first person in our district that people know. It’s a big responsibility and she’s done it perfectly for 25 years.”
“When I got here, I didn’t know anything about being a superintendent, so from day 1 until now, she has always been one step ahead and always had everything ready to go. She has all the tricks of the trade and she makes it seem so effortless and seamless. She’s the glue that holds it all together and makes it work. There’s nobody that has worked with her that doesn’t trust her with anything they have because she’s just that kind of person. She’s remarkable and I’ve been blessed to have many wonderful secretaries in my years, but she’s the best. She cares so much for Pampa. She’s invested in this district and in this community and wants to see the best for everyone and is willing to work really hard to do that.”
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you for all the service for all the years to all the people, not just superintendents, but to all the people in the community that she touches. She touches a lot of lives that folks don’t really know about. All the banquets, the Hall of Fame, the student ambassadors-that’s Karen Linder. All those events run perfectly because of her. The way that she served others is just admirable.”
Many of Karen’s friends and coworkers shared stories about their time with her, many of them generating smiles, laughs and blushed faces.
When asked how she was going to spend her retirement, Karen said that she and her husband plan to travel and spend time with their grandkids and relax at their farm and ranch.
When asked if she planned to occasionally drop by the Administration Building, she said of course and said she would be happy to fill in whenever they needed her to.
Due to Karen’s humble nature, she softly addressed the room, thanking everyone who came out to celebrate.
“Thank you, everyone. It’s been such a privilege to work with everyone and get to know you all. I just appreciate every one of you.”
All of us here at The Pampa News wish Karen a happy retirement, and we thank you for your unwavering and dedicated service that you have provided over the years to our community.
