Retiring from USD 264: Chuck Reitberger
After 34 years in education, with 29 of those years at USD 264, high school social studies teacher Chuck Reitberger will retire at the end of this school year. He spent 20 years at the middle school as the 7th and, later, the 8th grade social studies teacher.
In addition to his work in the classroom, Reitberger coached either high school or middle track and field for all 34 years. He coached both high school or middle school basketball for 30 of the 34 years.
Coaching middle school basketball. Photo: CMS 2021 Yearbook
He reflects, “I was lucky enough to coach some great kids that earned two berths in the girls state tournament. I initiated and sponsored the CMS Tribal Council for several years before moving to the high school. I am currently a co-sponsor of the C-Club at the high school.”
We had some questions for him:
What do you love about our district?
“The small town atmosphere is appealing to me and my family. USD 264 reflects those same small town family oriented values. My daughters were raised in this community and graduated from our schools. That is a fact that I am proud to say!”
How did your career surprise you?
It really did seem to fly by. I truly feel blessed to be a part of this noble and fulfilling profession of education. There has never been a day that I did not want to come to school. (Maybe I wanted to stay in bed a little longer!) Each day brought new challenges and opportunities for both teacher and student!
What’s your favorite activity that you have done in your classroom?
To recreate the desperate days of the Great Depression my history classes took part in the "Hooverville Project". The students built shelters from scrap wood and other materials and cooked "Hobo Stew" using makeshift stoves. Many students elected to stay overnight in their shacks in the City Park. The experience was a lot of fun and most learned a bit about the hardships of the Great Depression.
“Hooverville Project” in the Clearwater City Park, 2020 Photo: Jill Rausch
After decades spent with his students, Reitberger now gets to shift to family life and leisure activities. About his future plans, he remarked, “The hope is to keep busy with grandkids, fishing, some travel and probably some part-time work to stay out of my wife’s way!”
Reitberger with his grandson. Photo: Allie McDonald
Enjoy retirement; you’ve earned it! You make us #ClearwaterProud.
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