Superintendent Jackson Announces Retirement

After a career in education spanning more than 30 years, Dr. John Jackson announced Tuesday his intention to retire from his position of superintendent of Oconee County schools at the end of the 2011-2012 school year, according to a news release issued by the school system.

“Working for the students, teachers, parents and community members in Oconee County has truly been one of the high points of my career,” Jackson said in a released statement. “Although I am making this announcement early in the school year, the community can rest assured that it will receive the same level of attention and energy for the remainder of the school year. I wanted to allow the board of education sufficient time to secure my replacement.”

Jackson became interim superintendent in July 2008 and was officially appointed to the position in January 2009. He had previously served as assistant superintendent for student services.

David Weeks, chairman of the , said students and schools have accomplished "outstanding feats" under Jackson's leadership.

“We are very grateful to Dr. Jackson for his fine service as superintendent,” Weeks said in the news release.

The board will begin the search for Jackson's successor and provide more information about that process in the near future, Weeks said.