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It is sad to have to share with all our students and Lobo family the passing of Mrs. Kimberly Byrd on Friday, June 26. She was a beloved first grade teacher and friend to all. Our deepest condolence to her family, her husband, Jessie, her sons, John and Luke, and daughter, Marisa.
Mrs. Byrd was more than just a great teacher, she was a wonderful mother, a mentor, and a friend. She will be forever missed by many. She began teaching in 1982 in the Hayden-Winkelman School District.. She spent several years as an instructional coach in the San Carlos Unified School District before retiring. She missed teaching and children so much and returned back to the Leonor Hambly K-8 School to rejoin her Lobos family.
During her career she has touched the lives of thousands of students, parents, and staff. Anyone who has even known Mrs. Byrd would agree: she would always do whatever it took to help children learn. She loved and cared for her students.
Mrs. Byrd was truly a professional educator that was recognized as a master educator. When teachers had challenging situations on how to teach a program or reach a specific child, the first person they would turn to was Mrs. Byrd. She had a wealth of knowledge and a bigger heart. She was always willing to help anyone.
Mrs. Byrd can never be replaced. She is a one-of-a-kind educator and friend to all. She will be missed but not forgotten. We know she is looking down on us and wanting all of us to keep moving forward. She would want us to continue to help our students learn, even during these difficult times.
The Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District will dedicate the 2020-21 school year to the memory of Mrs. Byrd. She would expect us to work hard every day to ensure each student can have the best education we can provide them.
The Lobo Family will miss you!
Written by Jeff Gregorich, Hayden-Winkelman USD Superintendent
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