BCSD's Walter retiring after 32-year career

Brenda Walter has dedicated her life to making a positive influence on Bonners Ferry’s youth. After 32 years of working in education, she plans to retire in September as Bound-ary County School District’s curriculum director.

“I had a very special teacher in high school,” said Walter. “After having his classes, I thought if I could do for my students what he did for me, that it would be a wonderful way to spend my life. I have 32 years of the most wonderful memories of teaching.”

Taking over as the curriculum director is Jan Bayer, a former student of Walter’s who graduated in 1995.

The school board last week approved Bayer’s promotion. A social study teacher at Bonners Ferry High School, she will be paid $59,000 annually.

Born in Findlay, Ohio, Walter has taught for five school districts and has been with the school district here for 24 years.

Walter graduated from Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Arizona State University in Tempe, where she received a bachelor’s and master’s in secondary education in English. Walter also was certified as a secondary reading specialist.

She took her first teaching job at West High School in Phoenix Union School District in Arizona in 1971.

After two years, Walter went to Westwood High School in Mesa, Ariz., for two years, Hillside Junior High School in Boise for four years, Farmin-Stidwell School in Sandpoint for two years and finally found her home in Bonners Ferry in 1982. She taught English and language classes for 22 years before becoming the district’s curriculum director, testing coordinator and professional development coordinator four years ago.

“I miss teaching every day, but it has been a wonderful opportunity to work closely with all the teachers and help solve problems,” said Walter. “The hardest part is that I won’t be spending time with all of my colleagues.”

“Boundary County is truly blessed to have quality educators,” she continued.

The greatest joy for Walter is to see the impact she has on students.

“When you see students light up and fall in love with learning, when they take the time to come back and say ‘thank you,’ and being a part of such a worthy mission and working with such wonderful people in the school district,” said Walter. “It has truly been a privilege.”

Brenda Walter is married to Dave Walter, who was born and raised in Bonners Ferry. The couple met in 1971 and married in 1973.

“I am so grateful for my husband, who throughout my career, has given me so much support with teaching being such a demanding job,” said Brenda Walter.

Their children, Mike and Sarah Walter, both graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. Mike, 30, lives in Albuquerque, N.M.; he is a captain in the Air Force and an electrical engineer. Sarah, 27, lives in Boulder, Colo., and is also an electrical engineer.

Once retired, Walter said she plans to do “whatever I want to do.” Some of those things include reading books she has been collecting over the years, gardening, golfing and spending time with her husband.

“Thank you to all the wonderful students, parents and colleagues who have shared the adventures with me,” said Walter. “I don’t know what adventures lie ahead, but it is time.”