FLORENCE — Florence School District 1 Superintendent Larry Jackson will retire at the end of the school year.
“My time in this role has been a memorable one however it is now time for me to pursue other interests,” he said in a memo sent to Florence 1 staff after the regular meeting of the board of trustees Thursday night.
Jackson’s retirement wasn’t an item on the meeting’s agenda.
Board vice chairman Thurmond Becote said Jackson spoke privately with the board members present for Thursday’s night’s meeting to tell them his decision.
Jackson could not be reached for comment Friday.
“As we move into the holiday season please know that I wish the best for each of you and yours. ‘As bread is the staff of life, the simple sustenance of the body, so appreciation is the food of the soul,’” he said in the memo. “I appreciate you and look forward to working with you to complete this school year! May God Bless You!”
Becote said he respects Jackon’s choice and commends him for all the great work he’s done as the district’s leader.
The role of school superintendent, Becote said, certainly puts a person under a lot of stress and strain. But Becote said Jackson has handled it with aplomb, especially following the sudden death in September of Sheron Hazel Harrell Jackson, Jackson’s wife of 28 years.
Regardless, Becote said, Jackson’s retirement came as “a bit of a shock.”
“I think he’s done a fantastic job,” Becote said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s hard to replace.”
Board member Malloy McEachin Jr. echoed those sentiments.
“I’m sorry he’s retiring,” he said. “We’ll sure miss him.”
McEachin said he, too, was surprised by the decision, but understands it under the circumstances, with Jackson raising a young daughter.
“What’s best for his peace of mind is paramount,” McEachin said.
Jackson, a Florence native, is a product of Florence 1 schools. McEachin said that’s an “invaluable intangible” for someone serving as the Florence-based district’s superintendent.
Jackson was named the district’s interim superintendent in 2005 and was appointed superintendent by the board in 2006.
He began his educational career as a sixth-grade teacher at Williams Middle School and served in several other positions, including assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for personnel services.
In 2007, Jackson opted not to seek an additional three-year contract after his contract ended June 30, 2008. He told the Florence 1 board of trustees he thought it was time for fresh ideas in school administration. He also said he wanted to give the board ample time to seek a new superintendent who would be ready to start by the 2008-09 school year.
On Jan. 17, 2008, the district’s board of trustees endorsed Jackson’s request to rescind his resignation during a regular school board meeting.
“My relationship with Florence School District 1 is viral and I can’t get it out of my system,” he said after changing his mind. “I thought that I could, but it’s present. I think it’s going to always be present.”
Becote said Jackson made it clear this time he won’t change his mind.
On the Web:
Florence School District 1, www.fsd1.org
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