Decatur County School Superintendent Ralph Jones has announced his retirement. On Wednesday morning, the following was sent to Decatur County School System Employees.

"This letter is to inform you that I will be retiring on June 30, 2010.  I have spent 36 years in education, and I have had the pleasure of being employed by this school system for 25 of those years.  Eighteen years were spent in a leadership capacity, but the last 8 years as Superintendent have been the most challenging, yet rewarding, in my career.  This decision has been very difficult for me because I truly love educational leadership and have a great passion for working with people.  I am very proud of the accomplishments that we have made together during my tenure. 

Words can never express my appreciation for the opportunity you gave me to serve as your Superintendent and for your support.  The friendships that I have developed with staff, the Board of Education, and the entire Decatur County community will always be cherished.   I realize there is a tremendous amount of work that must be done in the upcoming months, and I promise to work very hard to do the best I can in leading this School System until my retirement.

In closing, I wish each of you much success, love, and peace.  Always keep the passion that you have for working with your students because you have the most important job in America.  The future is in your hands."