Clinton County Schools Superintendent Mickey McFall, who has served as schools’ chief since about the turn of this century in the early 2000s, has announced that he will be retiring the middle of next year.

At the conclusion of Monday night’s regular meeting of the Clinton County Board of Education, Superintendent McFall, who will have served over 10 years, offered his official retirement.

McFall began his career as a classroom math teacher at the high school and moved up the ranks prior to being hired by the school board as superintendent in early 2002. In all, he has been a teacher or administrator in the district for 26 and-a-half-years.

The superintendent distributed a letter to each board member announcing his retirement intent, and during an emotional period in which at one point he had to take a brief break when mentioning the support of his family, read the letter to the board members and others present at the meeting.

The letter, which was addressed to Board Chairman Ned Davis and members of the Clinton County Board of Education, read:

“After much deliberation, I wish to inform you of my intent to retire as Superintendent of the Clinton County Schools District effective June 30, 2012. It is with mixed emotions that I make this decision, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time invested with this district. It seems just a short time ago I arrived at Clinton County High School ready to teach and hoping to make a difference. Come June 30th, I will look back hoping I made a difference. There are a countless number of colleagues and friends that I want to thank for supporting me in this endeavor. As I am unable to name everyone, let me say it has been a tremendous pleasure to have worked with the leadership, principals, faculty, staff, and students of this district. Whatever has been accomplished by our district has been the result of a multitude of individuals who were not satisfied with the status quo and were willing to dedicate themselves in order to make it better.

I have a deep sense of gratitude for the support given me by this board of education, along with legal counselor Lindsey Bell. Chairperson Beth Huff and board members Ned Davis, Junior Elmore, Wayne Hughes, and Ricky Tallent gave me a chance to lead this district, and for that I will always be thankful. Since then, Goldie Stonecipher, Junior Cecil, Paula Key, and Kevin Marcum have joined the team. I can say with absolute certainty that the progress we have seen these ten years was possible only as a result of the leadership of the board.

Lastly, my appreciation for my family cannot be overstated. My parents have always been there for me, and I can honestly say without their support I would not be in this position today. Sharon has stood with me throughout this journey, and her support has made it possible for me to stay the course. Her sacrifices over the years have been numerous; her support has never wavered. And I couldn’t have asked for better children than Rachel and Zach. They tolerated vacations interrupted and nights when I was away from home, yet their patience has been incredible.

Additionally and most importantly, my faith in God has carried me when I otherwise would have failed. I publicly acknowledge my savior Jesus Christ, and His supreme sacrifice to give all an opportunity for life.

Again, thank you. And it is my hope this school district enjoys continued success, and reaches heights never before seen.”

Following the announcement, a motion was made by Board Chairman Davis to accept the retirement letter, which passed by unanimous vote.

Clinton County Judge/Executive Lyle Huff, who was also in attendance at the meeting, shook McFall’s hand after the announcement and thanked him for his friendship and dedicated service to the school district and community.

The board will now begin the process of selecting a successor for Superintendent McFall and board attorney Lindsey Bell said he would have more information on that process, which usually entails a few months, at the January board meeting.

There will be an application process and deadline period, probable interviews with finalists and the school board will make the ultimate decision as to who the next superintendent will be beginning July 1, 2012.

At the conclusion of his announcement, Supt. McFall summed up by saying, “I’m not counting the days (to retirement) but I’m going to make the days count.”

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, January 9 at 5 p.m. at the Central Office and is open to the general public.