39 years in education is coming to end this summer for Mary Anne Alton.
The Director of Education for the Bluewater District School Board is retiring August 31st.
She began as a Grade 2 teacher in Markdale and has held elementary and secondary school administrator jobs, prior to becoming the Director of Education five years ago.
Alton says it is time to move on to a new phase in her life, although she declined to say exactly what she will do ater she leaves the Board.
Alton says a lot has change in 39 years, but one constant is the work of educators to improve the learning of their students.
Alton says the biggest challenge facing the board now is declining enrolement and the impact that has on the budget.
She says they cut everything they could in the latest budget sessions, so next year they will have to do a full review of everything the Bluewater board offers.
Alton says the board needs to be right-sized in terms of the number of student spaces they need.
Right now, the Bluewater board has nearly 3 thousand excess student spaces and Alton says that is not a good use of resources.
Although full-day Kindergarten will help to maintain staff levels for a few years, more school closures are likely coming in the next few years.
