From Kindergarten to Principal: Jac-Cen-Del Elementary leader retires

(OSGOOD, Ind.) – Deanna Budd was in high school when she first realized that she wanted to be an elementary teacher. 

That dream came true and it led to a long career with the same school district that she graduated from. 

Budd was a kindergartner when she first walked into Jac-Cen-Del and this past week walked out as principal for the final time. 

She’s retiring after spending more than 20 years with Jac-Cen-Del with the last four leading the elementary school. 

Deanna noticed something both as a student and as an administrator. What makes the school special is the community that surrounds it. 

“Over the years, the community has changed. I mean, it's changed a lot, but that support for the school has always stayed the same and I think one of the things that make Jac-Cen-Del unique is the community support,” she told The 812. 

She describes it as a blessing to work for the corporation and to serve the people of her hometown. 

“For a small town, we have a lot of resources that come from the community and that is something to be very thankful for,” Budd said. 

Over the past few weeks, Budd has had several colleagues, community members and even past students reach out to wish her a happy retirement. 

“Some of those past students have kids in our school now and they say how grateful they are of me, but I hope they know how grateful I am of them for trusting me and us with their children,” Budd said. 

Her retirement has brought some concern among current students due to someone else who is often with her. 

She is the handler for the school’s therapy dog, Bella, who has become a popular fixture over the past few years. 

“The kids were so scared that they wouldn’t see Bella again, but I have already worked it out with the new principal who is very supportive of me bringing in Bella when I can,” she said. 

As for retirement, Budd has some ideas for future projects but one thing is for certain: She isn’t going far. 

Her youngest child still attends Jac-Cen-Del High School and she plans to be involved with athletics and other functions. 

“I started out as a kindergartner here and I am not going anywhere,” she said. 

Deanna added, “I’m a true Jac-Cen-Del Eagle and that is something that will never change.”