Jere Whitson Elementary School Principal Tina Francis Hodges is retiring after a 38-year career in the Putnam County School System.
Putnam County School System Director of Schools Corby King announced the departure of the longtime educator. Francis Hodges spent the last decade at Jere Whitson Elementary School, serving five years as an assistant principal and five years as principal.
“Tina Francis Hodges has dedicated nearly four decades to serving the students, families, and staff of Putnam County with excellence, integrity, and heart,” King said in a press release. “Her leadership at Jere Whitson Elementary transformed lives and elevated the entire school community.”
The retirement closes a career that stretches beyond a single school. Francis Hodges began her time in the classroom at Park View, where she spent 17 years teaching, the press release said.
“Although I love being principal at Jere Whitson, after 38 years, I decided it was time to spend more time with my family,” Francis Hodges said in the release.
Following her time at Park View, Francis Hodges continued her work at Avery Trace Middle School for nine years. She served as both a librarian and an assistant principal during her tenure there, the press release said.
“While we will greatly miss her presence, we are grateful for the legacy she leaves behind and wish her and her family the very best in this well-deserved next chapter,” King said in the release.
Francis Hodges also spent one year working at Algood Elementary School before taking on her leadership role at Jere Whitson Elementary School. Her career involved working closely with students, staff and family, the press release said.
Francis Hodges said it was time for her to start a new chapter in her life.
She leaves the school system after nearly four decades of service, the press release said.
