Eldridge submits
retirement letter
at board meeting
CELINA-A search for a new Clay County Director of Schools is underway, after current director Matt Eldridge submitted a retirement letter to the board of education at their monthly meeting here last week.

Meeting minutes said Eldridge “read a retirement letter, effective December 31, 2021,” before “the board discussed advertising the opening” and decided “applications will be taken until October 11 and reviewed at the October 14 board meeting.”

A job vacancy notice also appears on page __ of this week’s HORIZON announcing the board is accepting resumes for the position.

Eldridge’s letter read as follows:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Clay County School Board Members, faculty, staff, students, and people of Clay County for allowing me to work with you.

“After much consideration and prayer, I feel it is time for me to step down from my position as Director or Schools to spend more time with my family and pursue other interests.

“I will be resigning as of December 31, 2021.

“I have served 35-plus years in education in five school districts. My final seven years in Clay County have been as enjoyable as I could have asked for. I would like to thank Jerry Strong for hiring me and allowing me to continue to grow as an educator while continuing my career in Clay County Schools.

“During my time in Clay County, I have made friends and had the chance to work with amazing and talented individuals that want only the best for the students and people in Clay County.

“I would like to thank the members of this school board for their stability and decision making while adhering to Christian values. Allowing these values to guide us will always take us on the correct path.

“Thank you for allowing the betterment of the students and county to guide your decisions.

“I wish Clay County Schools continued success in all areas.”

The published job vacancy notice outlined minimum job qualifications as having a professional educator’s license, a master’s degree in education with preference for a doctorate degree, and at least three years of experience in school administration.

It also announced a salary range of approximately $68,000 to $88,500 and explained the successful applicants must be able to assume duties by January 1, 2022.