There will be a changing of the guard for the 2017-18 school term at Clinton County Middle School, as long-time educator, administrator and most recently principal at that school is retiring after almost three decades in education.

Scott, a CCHS graduate, has 28.82 years of teaching. She holds a BS in Elementary Education, an MA in Elementary Education and MA in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University.

Scott has had a varied career, beginning in the classroom as a sixth grade self-contained teacher in 1988 through 1990 and sixth grade language arts for the most years, from 1990 through 2009, then from 2009-2012, fifth and eighth grade Computer Applications and Science teacher.

After being Curriculum Specialist from 2012-2013, she was hired as Clinton County Middle School Principal in 2013 where she served until her retirement. Scott said she is most proud of becoming a 1.1 technology school.

Since becoming principal four years ago, Scott said she feels the school has moved forward and “I expect the school to continue to excel. We have excellent teachers who are trying new ways to engage students.”

Scott noted, “I will miss the students the most because they have been such a large part of my life. Education is all about the students.”

There is also an aspect of the current educational climate the new retiree will not miss. She said, “I will not miss the radical changes educators are forced by the state to make,” adding, “it seems that once we get something enforced, it is thrown out and the process to start all over is repeated. It is frustrating when standards are changed every six to eight years.”

Scott added some of the bigger changes she has seen since she began her career. “I think I taught two years before the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA) came to be. This was one of many reforms that affected teaching and learning.” She continued, “My students took multiple state tests in the early 1990s. The state assessment has changed many times, and I feel this will be a continuous cycle.”

The long-time educator has some simple, but fruitful, advice for her successor, “My advice…is to always do what’s best for the students.”

When asked what some of the things she will be doing in retirement, Scott said, “I plan to read the Bible through, spend time with my family, coach teen Bible quizzing, and enjoy some hobbies such as crocheting, crafting, and I hope to learn to decorate cupcakes.”

Scott is the daughter of Lillian and the late Frank Melton and is married to Sid “the Kid” Scott, II, who she wed in July 1983. She has a brother. Lane Melton and two sisters, Donna Wheat and Ammie Melton Marcum.

Scott, who just celebrated a birthday last Wednesday, June 21, concluded by saying, “I am thankful to God, my family, the middle school staff, the Clinton County school district and all the employees, students and parents for giving me the opportunity to serve as an educator for almost 29 years. Thanks for sharing your children with me and for allowing me to be a part of their lives and make many precious memories.”