CdA school official Judy Drake to retire after 32 years of service

Judy Drake, executive director of staff and community relations at the Coeur d’Alene School District, said Friday she will retire in June, the end of the school year.

Drake has worked in the district for 32 years as a teacher, principal and administrator.

She was instrumental in opening the Riverbend Professional Technical Academy and establishing a dual enrollment policy with North Idaho College.

She is the type of educator people aimed to emulate, district spokeswoman Janet Feiler said.

With Drake’s announcement, the district now is looking to fill four high-profile vacancies.

Also retiring are: Diana Gifford, director of special education; Carol Brown, director of transportation; and Steve Casey, Coeur d’Alene High School principal, who is running for state superintendent.

Their positions are posted on the district’s Web site: www.cdaschools.org/hr/jobs.htm.

Drake’s position has not yet been posted.

Fran Bischof, board clerk and secretary for Superintendent Harry Amend, also announced her retirement this year. Lynn Towne, secretary for assistant superintendent Hazel Bauman, applied successfully for the position.