Gen. Wayne Elementary Principal Retires With Happy Send-Off

MALVERN, PA — General Wayne Elementary students gave their principal a happy send-off as Bonnie Citron moved into retirement after 26 years in Great Valley School District.

After a 30-year career in education, the principal of General Wayne Elementary School since 2007 announced she would retire. Citron began working in the Great Valley School District a learning support teacher in 1995.

Born and raised in York County, Citron earned a bachelor's degree in Special Education from West Chester University and took her first job as a learning support teacher in York County after graduation.

She met her husband Michael Citron during that time and they relocated to Chester County. Great Valley School District hired Bonnie Citron in 1995 and she's been with the district since, as a learning support teacher, assistant principal, special education supervisor, and finally principal at General Wayne Elementary School.

In her teaching position at Sugartown Elementary School, she earned a master's degree in School Administration, and in 2001, when General Wayne Elementary opened, she became its first assistant principal.

In 2007 she assumed the role of elementary special education supervisor, working with students and staff in all GVSD elementary schools. She became principal of General Wayne Elementary in 2008. She served in the role for the remainder of her career, which closed with a message announcing her resignation and the end of a career that surpassed what she'd imagined as a new teacher.

"After 30 years in education, I have submitted my letter of retirement to Dr. (Daniel) Goffredo and the Great Valley School District. After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to focus on my family and spending time with them. It has been a privilege and honor to serve as General Wayne’s Principal and as a Great Valley employee for twenty-six years," Citron told the district.

She added, "My time in the Great Valley School District has been a true pleasure. I have enjoyed impacting the lives of GV students as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Special Education Supervisor, and Principal. It has been an honor to work closely with such talented, passionate, and dedicated teachers and administrators. In addition, the most rewarding experience has been supporting and educating the students and families at General Wayne Elementary."

Citron said she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, day trips with my family, reading, cooking with my daughter, going for walks, and watching her children perform horseback riding and baseball.

"The past 13 years have been unimaginable. Taking the reins and leading such a fantastic school that is so student-centered has been the best career experience that I could ever have imagined as I entered into my dream career following graduation," Citron said.

Also retiring from General Wayne Elementary School this year are teachers Ed Jameson and Cathy Carrigan.

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