Berkeley Unified is fortunate to have a significant number of employees who have dedicated their entire careers to our schools. A shining example of service to the District is Operations Manager Greg Williams, who is retiring after an astounding 44 years with the District. His announcement has been met with widespread expressions of gratitude for his work.
At a recent meeting of managers, Greg was showered with heartfelt thanks and praise for his service, with many examples noted of his exemplary professionalism, leadership skills, consideration of others, and his ability to respond to any problem effectively and promptly in a calm, unflappable manner. He is seen as a role model for many both inside and outside his department, and will be greatly missed.
We are pleased to share his farewell letter to the District below:
June 17, 2019
To My District Family,
It has come time that the District and I must part ways as I prepare myself for the next chapter in my life. Over the four decades of my career, I have been fortunate to have met and worked with some incredible people and formed some solid relationships. There is much that goes on behind the scenes with this position as Operations Manager. I will particularly miss the multiple personal interactions I have had, paired with the responsibilities of this position.
Although I have enjoyed my time as an Operations Manager and I want to acknowledge many who have contributed to the success that I have had, my legacy will forever be linked to my time served as the Head Custodian at King Middle School. I will always remember the interactions with the students and the role I played in preparing them for the next stage in their lives. I am honored to have so many friends inside and outside the District who have walked with me through the duration of my career as a District employee. From the laughs we shared to the heated debates that are sometime necessary in order to move the District forward.
My immediate family is the second most important thing in my life, only second to God. My late mother and father made considerable sacrifices while raising me; they brought me up in a caring environment and taught me to cherish the important things in life, to have a sense of compassion, empathy and concerns for others while always being true to myself and what was right. I wish to thank my wife, Aiyanna, for the constant warmth and encouragement over the years, enabling my career to flourish while sometimes questioning what I had gotten myself into with this position.
Today I step out of my office and into what I know will be a stimulating new phase of my life. I know it is my time to go while I feel the energy to do other things with my beautiful family.
I wish you all much success. Follow your dreams, however, big or small and always be true to yourself. My hope is that you will continue to make the Berkeley Unified School District a special place. I will always hold many fond memories of this journey. Take care of yourselves.
Peace,
Greg
Do not judge me by my successes,
Judge me by how many times
I fell down and got back up again.
-Nelson Mandela-
