During the course of the regularly planned Jacksonville City Board of Education meeting a personnel issue came up that shocked the board and brought many to tears.
Superintendent Mike Newell formally submitted his retirement from the school system effective July 1, 2022.
Marita Watson was the the first to speak and in very un-Marita fashion, she was speechless for a moment. “I’m shocked and speechless. I’m surprised, but I want to thank you for all you have done”.
Phyllis Morrison mentioned, through tears, she had just spoken with a student taught by Mr. Newell this week. She knows how much he has given to this system. “We appreciate everything you have done. You have given outstanding leadership”.
Jeff Gossett laughingly notes he had known Mr. Newell the longest. “I’ve been here through the whole transition. You have led us through very trying times. We know Jacksonville is in your heart and soul. You can walk away knowing you have done everything you can for Jacksonville. Thank you for all you have done”.
Ed Canaday started by saying this was “bittersweet”. “I don’t like it, but I respect it. We worked together at JSU and you hired me to be a part of the Golden Eagle family. I wish you the best. We all appreciate you.”
Superintendent Newell also took a few moments to speak. He stated that he appreciated all the support of the board. He never imagined that 25 years ago he would be hired in February as a Social Studies teacher and now would be retiring as Superintendent. “I’m grateful and I love Jacksonville”. He also said that he has always been told you would just know when it was time to retire. “I know it is time. I look forward to pushing through the rest of the year. I’m not gone yet. I look forward to seeing who you select as the next superintendent. I look forward to spending less time as Mr. Newell and more time as ‘Papa’ to my grandson Bentley. I love Jacksonville and the time I’ve spent here. Thank you”.
Marita Watson did jokingly ask if Mr. Newell would consider an interim position. Then the board tearfully voted unanimously to accept the resignation through retirement.
Thank you for your service to the Jacksonville School System from the Calhoun County Journal.
