TRAER – At the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year late last month, North Tama marked just one retirement, elementary office manager Cindy Zimple. But considering all the roles she’s held since first joining the district more than six years ago, her departure will be felt throughout the campus.

“Cindy has held a handful of roles in her time at [North Tama], serving every day with a smile,” North Tama SBO Sara Forrester told the newspaper in an email. “She started at the district in February 2019 as an associate and then moved into a long-term sub position in third grade, followed by teaching half-time in sixth grade for one year, then half-time in fourth grade for one year. She then moved into a part-time secretary position for two years. In August 2024, she became the elementary office manager in a full-time role.”

As part of a June 1 social media post by the school district celebrating Zimple’s retirement, scores of individuals commented, including former North Tama Superintendent David Hill who wrote, “You have been such a blessing to North Tama, to the students and their families, and to everyone you have worked with. Congratulations and enjoy retirement – you deserve it!”

Rachel Hala wrote, “Congratulations, Cindy! Thank you for all the time you put into our kids and giving us parents the reassurance that you got all our messages relayed, etc.”

North Tama sixth-grade teacher Molly Ramirez commented, “Thank you Cindy for always being so kind and welcoming in the office. You make a difference.”

School board president David Calderwood and his wife Patty commented, “Congrats Cindy! You were such a blessing to work with!! Best days coming!”

“Wow! It’s mind-blowing all the well wishes,” Zimple herself replied in the comments. “I’ve truly enjoyed working at North Tama Schools!! Thank you everyone!! Looking forward to finally being ‘retired’!”

The district currently does not have plans to replace Zimple but rather to “restructure current roles to assume her responsibilities.”

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S, Miss Cindy!