Sally Cohill to Retire After 40 Years in West Deptford Schools

Aug. 1 will be the last day of work in the West Deptford school district for Sally Cohill. 

Looking back at her 40 years spent on the job, school leaders are hard-pressed to name someone who meant as much to their community for so long.

Cohill is retiring as the principal of Oakview Elementary School. She also taught middle school social studies for 26 years and spent another 14 as an administrator at various levels of the district.

Board of Education President Chris Strano said Cohill's "absolute enthusiasm" has had an impact on generations of West Deptford residents and their families.

“Almost everybody in town that’s a parent has had her,” Strano said. “She is one of the best. When you meet her, you think it’s her first day of work.”

From his first seventh-grade social studies class with Cohill to the day that he received notice of her resignation, Strano said that her professionalism commanded respect no matter what her position within the district—or outside of it.

As an example, he recalled a time when his daughter encountered Cohill on a shopping trip. It’s a worlds-collide kind of moment that can be occasionally awkward, Strano said. But when his daughter saw Cohill, Strano said, "my child lit up.

“She has such a strong connection to the kids,” he said. “She just brought out positivity in people. We’re all very excited about what she’s going to do next.”

Strano remembered another day, years ago, when he was dropping his kids off at school and saw someone opening car doors for parents as they pulled into the bus loop. It was Cohill, playing valet in the morning, calling everyone by name. 

There are no shortage of such stories, he said.

“Sally Cohill is going to be sorely missed,” said West Deptford Superintendent Kevin Kitchenman.

“Clearly the legacy she’s left is very powerful and uplifting,” Kitchenman said. “She built very strong relationships with people; a significant number of the parents of the kids at Oakview were students that she taught.

“The district’s going to miss her presence,” he said.

Cohill’s replacement has yet to be determined.

Do you have a favorite memory of Sally Cohill? Tell us in the comments.