Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog... Becker retires as Germantown Elementary superintendent to focus more on family

 Superintenent Robin Becker high fives her students on the last day of the 2025-2026 school year.   After 16 years as superintendent at Germantown Elementary School, Robin Becker decided it was time to step away from education and focus more on family.
    Becker retired as the superintendent/principal at Germantown Elementary School following this past school year.
    Becker was in education for 33 years. She began her career at Germantown in 1993 as a paraprofessional in a second-grade classroom. The following year she was hired as a third-grade teacher and spent a total of 11 years teaching at Germantown.
    In 2005, she was hired as principal at Shiloh Village School District No. 85. She viewed the opportunity as an important step toward reaching her long-term goal of someday returning to Germantown as superintendent. She was principal at Shiloh for five years.
    In 2010, the superintendent position at Germantown became available and Becker was selected to lead the district.
    This past year marked her 16th year as superintendent and her 28th year overall at Germantown Elementary School.
    "Germantown has been my home away from home for nearly three decades and has become a huge part of who I am," Becker said. "I love the school, the community, and the people who make up our Bulldog family. I will always be grateful to those who gave a young, inexperienced educator the opportunity to lead their community school. More than anything, I will miss the everyday interactions with students and staff — the hallway hugs, high fives, smiles, and simple moments that make Germantown so special."
Robin Becker    Becker said serving the dual role of superintendent/principal is both time intensive and demanding. As she has gotten older, the long days and constant pace have become more difficult. Her family continues to grow, and she has realized how much family time she has missed because of the demands of the job. At this stage in her life, she wants to spend more time with the people she loves and enjoy the things that matter most to her while she can.
    Her plans after leaving Germantown are to slow down a little, spend more time with her grandkids, travel, enjoy the outdoors, and be more present in everyday life.
    Becker said the relationships are what she will remember most about Germantown. Through the school's HOUSE Program, they made an intentional effort to build connections among students and staff across all grade levels. Becker said those relationships are what make Germantown a special place to learn, work and grow.
    She also said Raise the Roof Rockfest fundraiser for a new Germantown gym stands out as a special moment. Rockfest was in September 2024 and was headlined by Vince Neil, the lead singer from the band Mötley Crüe. Area classic rock band Head East opened for Neil.
    Also performing were Joe Dirt, Taco Truck and the Cheers Band. Joe Dirt, Head East and Neil all performed on the main stage and Cheers Band and Taco Truck performed on the side stage. Taco Truck also performed following the performances from Joe Dirt and Head East.
    "Seeing so many people come together to bring a rock concert to Schoendienst Park was truly surreal," Becker said. "The amount of time, energy, and heart that went into that event was incredible. The support our school and surrounding communities have shown toward our efforts to Raise the Roof for a new gym has also been amazing. We may not have raised the roof quite yet, but we are getting closer every day."
    Becker said she had amazing support from the Germantown staff during her time as superintendent. The staff was instrumental in the continued growth and improvement as a school district and the work they do changes lives. As the challenges facing schools have evolved over the years, the staff has consistently stepped up and found ways to turn those challenges into opportunities for students.“Who Let The Dogs Out?” ... “Who?” ... “Who?” Superintendent Robin Becker is being pulled in a wagon by a bulldog.
    The staff has been willing to think differently and embrace new ideas that have allowed Germantown to implement meaningful programming that supports the academic, social and emotional needs of students.
    "I will be forever grateful to the people, past and present, who have played a role in making Germantown Elementary the school it is today," Becker said.
    Martin Son has been announced as Becker's replacement and will take over the superintendent role this coming school year.
    Becker said the district is in good hands.
    "While it is difficult to step away from a place that has meant so much to me, I do so knowing the district is in good hands, filled with caring people who will continue moving it forward in positive ways," Becker said. "I will always cherish my time at Germantown and will forever be thankful for the opportunity to serve the community. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog"