Superintendent ready to step down after 42-year career

FRANKLIN COUNTY - Franklin County Superintendent of Education Bill Moss isn't one to mince words, so when talk of retirement came up, he said simply: "It's time to go."

And for Moss, a 42-year education veteran, that departure date is Oct. 31.

He said he's looking into his options, maybe some part-time teaching on the college level, but nothing that will consume too much of his time.

"I'm not quite ready to just take it to the house and sit, but the time and situation is good now to go," said Moss, 66.

The "situation" to which he refers is the stable state of the Franklin County school district and, "the good hands I'm leaving it in," referring to Assistant Superintendent Gary Williams who will take over Nov. 1.

With his usual candor, Moss said there was no reason to stay around until the end of the year, or even the end of the semester because, "I had the time in, and this way, Gary can make a smooth transition into this office before the holidays."

Moss began his career in education in 1966, teaching and coaching in Jackson County. A year later, he moved to Phil Campbell High School. In 1976, Moss began the girls basketball program at Belgreen, also coaching the boys team.

In 1983, he went to Northwest Junior College in Phil Campbell, where he held a variety of titles including, "coach of just about everything including

cheerleading."

He spent 18 years at Northwest before becoming superintendent in 2001.

"We were in proration when I came, and we're headed back there now and there have been only a few decent years, financially, in between," Moss said. "I certainly won't miss the financial worry every day of trying to do for students what they need with no money."

Moss has been outspoken throughout his career in many areas of education, from state funding formulas for K-12 schools to unfunded mandates that, at times, nearly drained his system.

"The money issue in a small rural district like ours is always the biggest problem," Moss said. "There's just not a good tax base in the county and it's sometimes impossible to do what you need to do."

But he also points to many bright spots during his years in education, highlighting his passion for working with students.

"I'll really miss that involvement with kids and hearing about their concerns for schools," he said. "Young people are sharp and they'll tell you things you need to know."

One of those informational sessions came last week. It marked the last time Moss will meet with his senior advisory council, 29 seniors from across the school district whose job it is to inform and enlighten administration about the pressing issues among students.

Moss started the group when he took over in Franklin County eight years ago.

"My advice to any administrator is to listen to the students and their concerns," Moss said, adding that his senior advisory group has served its purpose well.

Williams said he expects a smooth transition into the superintendency because Moss has prepared him well and allowed him to carry out many of the responsibilities of the office. Williams also filled in when Moss took time off to deal with health issues.

"I'm comfortable in that position because I feel I have as good of experience as anyone could going into that office," Williams said.

Williams also touted Moss' accomplishments during the past eight years, including the addition of a high school at Tharptown, which will graduate its first senior class this year.

"He's done a lot of things in the county that no one has been able to do, like add the high school," Williams said. "He went out on a limb and it has turned out to be really good thing and attendance at the school is still growing. He's also done a lot to improve our facilities countywide, and we've improved academically. I'd say it's been a good eight-year run."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.