Contact:
Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
Chardon Schools Food Service Director Josi Culliton, CHS ' 81
Retires After 30+ Years
Story as featured in the November-December 2023 Topper Talk e-Newsletter
December 19, 2023 — Food Service Director Josi Culliton, CHS '81 will embark on her retirement chapter on Jan. 1, 2024 after over 30 outstanding years of dedication to Hilltopper students and staff. Mrs. Culliton was formally recognized by the Chardon Board of Education at the Dec. 11 regular board meeting with a Resolution of Recognition.
We asked Mrs. Culliton if she would like to share her career story and retirement plans with us. This feature is presented in the District's Topper Talk newsletter this month. For reader convenience, the feature is also included below.
We wish Mrs. Culliton the very best as she pursues the retirement phase of her life!
by Mrs. Culliton
FAVORITE MEMORIES AS A CHARDON SCHOOLS STUDENT
The schooling phase is undoubtedly the best phase of life. School is the best place where we learn new things, make lifelong friends, and make unforgettable memories.
Lunchtime used to be the best part of the day. No, not because of the food but, it was a break from all those lectures and a chance to hang out with your friends.
I also had some amazing teachers at CHS. I will name a few —
- Mr. Skoch and all his wisdom and long-life lessons in class
- Mr. Norm Newton and his sense of humor always helped us love English class
- Mrs. Rear for introducing me to my love of cooking
- Ms. Davidson for inspiring me to read books and now I have a love of reading
All the memories of school life are surely the treasure to cherish for the rest of my life. School life is the best phase of life.
CHARDON 4Es JOURNEY
EMPLOYMENT/EDUCATION
1980 - Began my career path at Heather Hill in Munson as a Dietary Aide.
1981 - Graduated from Chardon High School and continued working at Heather Hill:
- Prepared healthy meals
- Ensured that patients had the proper foods based on their needs
- Work closely with dieticians, providing them with details on allergies or restrictions to create plans accordingly.
1985 - Completed the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician program at Kent State University.
1989-1994 - Hired by Dr. Bruce Armstrong at Chardon Schools, and I also attend Lakeland College and earned an Associate Degree, in a two-year undergraduate degree program in Business Administration and Management.
1998 - Re-hired at Chardon Schools
2023 - Retired from Chardon Schools - effective January 1, 2024!
HILLTOPPERS RUN IN THE FAMILY
My husband Michael (married for 41 years!) is also a CHS ‘81 alumnus, and my three children are Chardon Schools alumni — Marc ’01, Christina ‘03 and Stacy ’08.
HOBBIES
Photography, Traveling, Golfing, Reading, Painting, Cooking, Baking, Biking, Boating, Snowmobiling, Gardening, & a new love for Pickleball
RETIREMENT PLANS
Winters in Punta Gorda and Summers in Lake Chautauqua and in between in Ohio and hopefully lots of travel!!
ALWAYS A HILLTOPPER
One of the most significant benefits of working for Chardon Schools is the chance to work with students and the amazing staff and teachers. Also, I worked a regular schedule with weekends free, and felt a level of job security.
It’s been an exciting career attending school at Chardon Schools as a student, and also having my children attend Chardon Schools as well.
It has truly been an honor to have been employed by Chardon Local Schools over the past 30 years, and I wish the District much success in the future.
The pleasure of witnessing the continued growth of the community as generations of children become adults has been amazing. Wherever life takes me, the community of Chardon along with Chardon Local Schools will forever be a part of who I am.
We Are Chardon
We Commit to High Achievement for All Students