“Dedicated.” “Deeply knowledgeable.” “A pleasure to work with.” There are the words past and present Benicia officials used to describe Janice Adams, the superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, who announced recently she plans to conclude her 41-year career in education at the end of the current school year.

“Janice has been a pleasure to work with and is always very kind and considerate,” said Mike Dotson, director of Parks and Community Services, echoing the sentiments of many.

Dotson said his department worked closely with Adams on the city-BUSD joint use agreement and liaison committee, high school playing field renovations and the Every 15 Minutes program against impaired driving.

“Janice was always very approachable and easy to talk to,” he said. “She will be missed and we wish her the best in her retirement.”

Climate Action Plan Coordinator Alex Porteshawver called Adams “a dedicated superintendent,” said she has been “a truly great addition to the Community Sustainability Commission,” on which Adams served as an ex-officio member.

“She brought a seasoned and unique perspective to the group’s discussions and shared the commission’s goal of improving the environment in Benicia,” Porteshawver said.

The two collaborated on climate change and energy-efficiency education, and worked with students to identify potential charging station sites that would encourage school faculty and students to drive electric cars.

“She will be sorely missed!” Porteshawver said.

Constance Beutel said she recorded Adams talking about the importance of the vote for women. “This was in connection with the anniversary of women’s right to vote in California and a celebration sponsored here in Benicia,” Beutel said. “I have always found her to be deeply knowledgeable about the essential issues relating to education.”

Beutel, who recently resigned from the Sustainability Commission, said Adams has added “valuable insights and considerations” to the panel’s discussions and deliberations.

“As a resident of Benicia, I have observed that during her tenure the oversight, inclusion and guidance she brought to her work resulted in an environment where things could get done, as evidenced in the work she did to help pass the latest school bond measure,” Beutel said.

Concerning Adams’s contribution to preschool through 12th grade education, Beutel said, “She will be leaving a rich legacy.”