On Nov. 18, Superintendent Larry Jackson announced his retirement, making this school year his last in his 30-year career with Florence School District 1.
Next up for Jackson —a career in politics.
He said he is particularly interested in this kind of public service because he can finally express his opinions and be known for a certain viewpoint.
“I’ve carried around a piece of paper in my wallet for 20 years that says ‘A smart man knows what to say. A wise man knows whether or not to say it,” Jackson said.
He has always lived by that mantra but he’s looking forward to the next chapter in his life.
The tumultuous year Jackson has had on a personal level with the sudden passing of his wife of 28 years in September has put a lot of things in perspective for the 51-year-old father.
“It taught me how fragile life can be. I always knew it but to witness it…” he said.
The week before his wife’s death they had a conversation about his future and left it that they would discuss it further the following week. She died suddenly from a heart attack before they could have that talk.
Through this very personal tragedy and his four and a half years as the head of schools, Jackson said he’s been toughened.
“This job consumes you,” he said. “The criticism stings a little bit more because I’m a born and raised Florentine.”
But even still, he looks back on his time as superintendent proudly and graciously.
“I will always be indebted to Florence district 1,” Jackson said.
S. Porter Stewart II, school board chairman, said that it is the Florence community that is indebted to Jackson for his tireless service.
“He’s done so much to improve the education in Florence, but also the entire community through his great leadership,” he said.
After the school year ends in June, Jackson said he is going to take some time off and travel to California. From there, he’ll start planning his return to public service and his political career.
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