School losing two veteran educators

Jim LaShelle was teaching 5th graders 27 years ago in Mt. Carroll, in northwest Illinois, when he became principal at Edgebrook Elementary School.

His future wife Judy started teaching at Edgebrook the same year.

It wasn’t until 1987 that they were married, but now, after their combined 54 years at the school, both are retiring when the school year ends in June.

Judy LaShelle is a reading specialist, her husband said, and she may find ways to teach after retirement.

“We just felt it was the right time,” he said.

LaShelle said District 15 officials have named Vicki Chrisman, Parkland Middle School’s assistant principal, as his replacement.