After serving 18 years as the Pickett County Director of Schools, Diane Elder has announced her retirement.
Elder said she will serve as the director until June 30. Elder said her decision came after much consideration.
“Well, I’ve always been told for the last five years by other directors who have retired, they look at me and say you will know when it’s time,” Elder said. “I know it’s time. I need to turn this job over to someone else.”
Elder said during her tenure, she has had the pleasure of working with the best school board she could ever ask for. Elder said she is not sure what is next for her.
“It was a bittersweet decision,” Elder said. “I will miss a lot of things about this job. I will miss a lot of the people. I mean, so many friends that I will miss.”
Elder said she will be helping the school board find a new director. Elder said she will make suggestions on what to look for in the next director.
“Just to choose someone that loves children and loves to be around people and has that heart for what they are supposed to be doing,” Elder said. “You have got to have that heart to be in that position that you are in.”
Elder said the school board was not shocked by her announcement of retirement. Elder said the school board accepted her letter to retire in April.
