Superintendent Mathis to retire After 32 years in public education, Superintendent of Walker County Schools Melissa Mathis has announced her intention to retire from full-time service effective December. Following discussion with the Board of Education Monday night, Mathis informed district leadership (principals, coordinators and directors) of her decision at a joint meeting on Tuesday.

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Walker County Schools Superintendent Melissa Mathis will retire from full-time service effective Dec. 1, according to a news release from the school system.

Mathis, who has spent 32 years in public education, told school district leaders of her decision Tuesday after discussing it with board of education members.

She has been county schools superintendent for six years, during which time the system has increased its graduation rate more than 20 percent, instituted a common instructional model for K-12 classrooms and operated under budget, the news release states.

"It is with mixed emotions and great deliberation that I made the decision to retire at this time," Mathis said. "I feel privileged to have worked with this board and this staff serving the students in Walker County and am grateful to be able to return, in a part-time capacity, in 2012 to continue this essential work."

The school board is expected to appoint current Director of Personnel Craig Davoulas as interim superintendent to complete the 2011-2012 school year.

The district is the Walker County's largest employer, with nearly 1,400 full-time and part-time employees.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.