BRIDGEPORT — Bridgeport Exempted Village School District’s board of education recognized a beloved educator and some devoted community members during the March 19 board of education meeting.

Karen Dugan retired this past January, closing out a 20-year career as a paraprofessional. Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski said Dugan worked with four-year-olds in the preschool room. She began when the preschool opened, and after about 14 years she worked with the kindergarteners.

Sabinski said Dugan made an impression in the district and is loved by her fellow teachers and by students. Sabinski said Dugan went well above and beyond.

“She took excellent care of them, got to know them, got to know their families,” she said. “A tight-knit group across the board.

“We are so grateful for every single thing you’ve done.”

Dugan said she would always cherish her time working with the little ones.

“It’s very bittersweet for me to leave,” she said. “I love my job. I love the kids.”

Superintendent Brent Ripley presented Dugan with windchimes during the board’s March 19 meeting.

“You are missed,” he said. “We wish you the best of retirements.”

Board President Patrick McConnaughy extended thanks on behalf of the board. Vice President Kori Rosnick said Dugan has touched many lives.

“If you ever run into Mrs. Dugan outside of here, and it’s a testament of who you are here, inevitably there’s going to be two or three children that run up and give her a hug,” Rosnick said.

Dugan said her time at Bridgeport was more than a job.

“They became my children,” she said. “I’m their grandma. Seriously I treat the children like I would treat my own children.”

She also formed close friendships with her fellow educators.

“I just enjoy my teams I was with. I totally enjoy my teams, and I love the children that I work with,” she said. “It’s been wonderful years here.”

Dugan looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Greg, and traveling. She will not be a stranger to the district, adding she intends to return as a substitute and to volunteer at Bridgeport’s library when kindergarten students are brought there every Monday.

During the meeting, the board also commended Bridgeport’s Parent Teacher Organization for their yearly fundraising. Sabinski said students would not be able to attend many events without the PTO’s support.

“They do a wide variety of fundraising.”

The group’s biggest fundraiser is the PTO Quarter Auction. This year, they raised $14,200. A PTO representative said they overshot their goal of $13,000.

“It is a huge undertaking,” Sabinski said. She noted PTO member Terra King’s efforts in organizing the quarter auction. The auction has volunteers from elementary and middle schools.

“It is so organized, and it is done so well and so professionally,” she said. “Every year I am blown away by the amount of people lined clear out to the parking lot all the way into the cafetorium, and they are excited.”

McConnaughy said the fundraiser was impressive. Rosnick called it a “well-oiled machine.”

“As a parent, thank you,” Rosnick said.

Ripley agreed.

“You guys have done a great job here for many years.”

Sabinski said because of these accomplishments, it is possible for elementary and middle school students to go on field trips and the nurse’s office can stock clothing for students in need. Money raised by the PTO also supplements the elementary school’s Behavior Bash held every nine weeks, with treats for the kiddos.

“Things the students would not have if it was not for the PTO.”

Sabinski said the PTO also spearheads field trips for different grade levels.

“This is a really big deal, and it costs a lot of money to do those things.”

Another activity is the middle school field trip to Wheeling Park at the end of every school year. Dollars raised by the PTO also go toward snacks for the students during standardized testing and lunches for teachers.

She said a dedicated community is essential to helping give students these special moments.

“As far back as I can remember, our PTO has always been devoted, exceptional and gone above and beyond,” Sabinski said. “We’re very, very fortunate here at Bridgeport.”

A PTO representative at the meeting said everything they raise, they try to give back to the children.

PTO President Jennifer Syrylo said they were happy to help the students.

“We’re really thankful to the district for their support, all of our parents who volunteer, for the staff and the faculty who volunteer and provide donations, and for Terra King, who’s our MC.”

More information can be found on the Bridgeport PTO Facebook page or by emailing bridgeportschoolpto@yahoo.com.