Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Like many families in Denair, the Loftins have deep roots in the community. Dennis Loftin – the facilities and maintenance director for the Denair Unified School District – graduated from the high school. So did his father, Glenn, who later became a teacher there, coached basketball and served as athletic director. So did Glenn Loftin’s mother.

Though there have been a few small gaps, it seems there has been a Loftin associated with the school for nearly 70 years, ever since both sides of Glenn Loftin’s family migrated to California from Kansas during the Dust Bowl.

That will end next week, when Dennis Loftin retires after 15 years.

“It’s time,” said Loftin, 56, who was an electrician by training before back and knee ailments inspired a move into school district facilities supervision, first in Riverbank and then at his hometown campuses.

The soft-spoken Loftin is a quickly recognized face all around the district, not only for his bushy gray mustache and beard but because he literally knows the story behind every building, classroom, piece of equipment or stretch of sidewalk.

As an All-American athlete in high school, he remembers when all the boys and girls – high school, middle school and elementary – shared the single gymnasium on the elementary campus. Same with the cafeteria.

“We used to have to walk across Lester Road from the high school to use the cafeteria or go to practice,” he said. “I graduated in 1977 and I got married in 1979. All I ever heard was, ‘We’re getting a new gym. We’re getting a new gym.’ It was a dream of my dad’s and anyone who went to school here.”

It took more than 20 years for that dream to be realized. Loftin said he is proud to have worked with many other community members to help pass the school bond that provided the money to build a new high school gym. A few years later, residents voted in favor of a second school bond to construct a new middle school. Continue reading “Dennis Loftin, DUSD Facilities Director, to Retire” »