North Lamar ISD is honoring several staff members retiring, sharing their stories of dedication to education online.
Mrs. Sharon Routon
With a teaching certificate that spans 40 years, Mrs. Sharon Routon has devoted her life to education—and after a remarkable journey, she’s stepping into retirement with a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
She began her career at Paris Junior College, where she worked for 13 years as a private tutor, math lab tutor, learning skills instructor, and GED teacher. She then spent 3 years teaching 5th grade math at Justiss Elementary, before finding her long-term home at Frank Stone Middle School, where she’s served for 16 incredible years.
At Stone, Mrs. Routon taught 8th grade math and math intervention for 6th–8th grades, impacting countless students with her passion and patience.
Mrs. Julie McNeece
After an incredible 33 years at North Lamar, Mrs. Julie McNeece is retiring and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and countless memories at Parker Elementary.
She began her journey as a Special Education assistant for 4 years before stepping into the role where she truly made her mark—secretary at Parker Elementary for 29 years. Mrs. McNeece has been the smiling face and steady hand for three generations of Parker families, helping to create a school community full of heart.
Mrs. Paula Liles
With a career that began in 1980 at Delmar ISD, Paula Liles has spent over four decades answering a true calling—serving students with heart, patience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Her journey has taken her from Special Education at the high school level, to coaching junior high girls’ basketball, sponsoring cheerleaders and seniors, building Learning Labs, teaching a range of grade levels, and eventually landing at North Lamar ISD, where she found her true second home.
At North Lamar, Mrs. Liles poured her heart into the Behavior Unit and the High School Life Skills classes, while also coaching Special Olympics for more than 10 years. Even after officially retiring in 2015, her passion never faded—she returned as a tutor, program director, and beloved long-term sub at Higgins Elementary.
Mrs. Toni Preston
After 25 incredible years in education, including 19 years at North Lamar ISD, Mrs. Toni Preston is heading into a well-earned retirement.
She’s spent her career shaping young minds—starting in 1st grade classrooms in Detroit and Paris ISDs, and finishing strong in 5th grade at North Lamar, where she taught Science, Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies.
