School official to retire

Sheffield - After 37 1/2 years with the Sheffield Board of Education, Assistant Superintendent Mike Owens said it's time to move on.

Board of education members Monday reluctantly approved Owens' retirement, which will be effective Dec. 31.

"I think it's just time," Owens said. "I have some other pursuits I want to follow."

Owens began his career with the school system as a teacher and a football, basketball and wrestling coach. He later became assistant principal at what was then L.E. Willson Middle School and, in 2000, was hired as the school system's assistant superintendent.

"I have been blessed to work with a lot of extraordinary people during my tenure here, and I truly love this school system," Owens said in a letter to Superintendent Richard Gardner. "I will always hold a special place in my heart for each teacher and support staff member who worked with me to provide for the needs of our students."

Gardner said he first learned of Owens' intentions to retire about six weeks ago.

"This is not something that came out of the blue for me," Gardner said. "Mr. O is a person we will miss dearly. We wish you only the best in retirement."

Board member Steve Hargrove recalled being a student when Owens was still a coach.

"You will be very much missed by our school system," Hargrove said.

Owens said he has a family farm to tend and is also interested in song writing. He said he also expects to be able to spend more time with his two grandchildren.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.