At its June 8, 2026 board meeting, the Penn-Trafford School Board recognized retiring staff. Each of these staff members had a direct and positive impact on the lives of many students while making a tremendous contribution to the Penn-Trafford community.
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Jim Ashbaugh was a valued member of the Penn-Trafford custodial staff, known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to lend a helping hand. His friendly demeanor made him a familiar and appreciated part of the school community. Jim took pride in helping maintain safe, clean, and welcoming environments for students and staff. As he begins retirement, Jim looks forward to spending more time outdoors pursuing one of his favorite hobbies, fishing.
Mick Bujdos was inspired early on by his parents, both of whom were educators. The decision to follow in their footsteps was natural because he enjoyed working with children and recognized the need for strong male role models in their lives. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock. 34 of his 35 years as a teacher were spent at Penn-Trafford, and 33 of those were at Trafford Elementary School. Throughout his career, he witnessed tremendous changes in education, particularly in technology. He recalls a time when a single computer sat in the back of the classroom for student use, followed by the introduction of teacher desktop computers, and eventually the transition to one-to-one laptops for both students and staff. Among Mick’s favorite memories are the annual Monarch butterfly projects he shared with his students.
Mike Cleland credits his fifth-grade teacher at Trafford Elementary, Mr. Stanley, for inspiring him to become a teacher himself. Mike earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education & Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University and spent his entire career serving students at Trafford Elementary and Middle Schools. Throughout the years, he found joy in the unpredictability of teaching, appreciating that no two days in the classroom were ever the same. Mike is most proud of helping students with disabilities learn, grow, and develop the skills needed to become successful adults.
Brett Lago served as Penn-Trafford’s Director of Business Affairs since 2003, providing steady leadership and guidance for more than two decades. Reflecting on his years at Penn-Trafford, he credits his dedicated team, who supported him throughout his career. Among his accomplishments, he is especially proud of helping relocate the district’s administration offices to their current home on Randall Court, a project that left a lasting impact on the district’s operations.
Tom Monzo began his career with Penn-Trafford in 1993. Throughout his tenure, he taught at Trafford Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, Penn Middle School, and most recently, Level Green Elementary School, leaving a positive impact on countless students and families. He holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from the Community College of Allegheny County, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. When asked why he chose to become a teacher, Tom shared a belief that guided his career: “Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions. To me, there’s no more important job in the world.”
Carol Palmer spent several years working in the business world before eventually following the advice of one of her own high school teachers, who had suggested she pursue a career as a business educator. She earned degrees from WCCC, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Seton Hill University. Carol joined the Penn-Trafford School District in 1994 and spent all but two of the ensuing years teaching at Penn-Trafford High School. One of her most rewarding aspects of teaching has been hearing from former students who reach out to share updates about their careers and how the skills they gained in her Microsoft Office classes continue to benefit them in the workplace years later.
Tamara Patula dedicated more than three decades to the students of Penn-Trafford, focusing on the importance of reading - both as a critical life skill and a lifelong passion. She earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education (Pitt) and certification as a K-12 Principal (Cal U), but her passion remained in the classroom, where she chose to spend her entire career as a teacher after joining the district in 1994. For the majority of her tenure, Tamara taught at McCullough Elementary School before moving to Trafford Elementary School for her final years. Reflecting on her career, she noted that while technology, inclusivity, and social-emotional learning have transformed education, the importance of strong relationships and believing in every child has remained constant. “Teaching continues to be both a challenge and a privilege, and I feel fortunate to have been part of this profession for more than three decades.”
Kelly Podkul spent one semester as a business major in college before realizing that her true passion was teaching and changing her course of study. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Marietta College and Ohio University, as well as a Master’s Degree from Seton Hill University. After teaching in Ohio for several years, she accepted a job at Penn Middle School in 1999 and spent the remainder of her teaching career there. She saw many changes in education over the years, primarily having technology at her fingertips. Kelly finds great joy in hearing from former students and how they enjoyed a particular novel or experience from her class, and knowing that she made an impact.
Richard Senkow was a familiar face across the whole district as a dedicated member of Penn-Trafford’s maintenance team. Before coming to Penn-Trafford in 2013, he spent time as a stay-at-home dad, proudly embracing his role as “Mr. Mom”. He jokingly credits his return to the workforce to his wife, who encouraged him to get back to work once the kids were grown. Reflecting on his years with the district, ‘Rick-O’ credits his coworkers for making his tenure at Penn-Trafford both enjoyable and rewarding, and he values the friendships he built along the way.
Jim Simpson dedicated his career to helping students become the best versions of themselves. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, earning a degree in Secondary Mathematics and certification as a K-12 Principal. Jim joined the Penn-Trafford School District in 1999 and served in a variety of leadership and educational roles throughout his tenure at Penn Middle School, Trafford Middle School, and Penn-Trafford High School. Among his many accomplishments, he considers being named Principal of Penn Middle School in 2008 to be his proudest professional achievement.
Some of Penn-Trafford’s retiring staff attended the June 8, 2026 board meeting; Mr. Jim Simpson, Mr. Tom Monzo, Mrs. Tamara Patula, Mr. Mick Bujdos, and Mr. Mike Cleland