MCPSS superintendent to retire

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile County Public School Superintendent Roy Nichols announced his intention to retire, no later than the end of this year.

In a letter to the Mobile County School Board, Nichols said, "The overwhelming support that the System received during the recent tax renewal vote has brought me great satisfaction and joy. I believe that it would be fair to interpret the passage of the referendum as a ringing endorsement of the direction in which we have been guiding Mobile County's public schools. A great deal has been accomplished over the past several years. Although budgets have been severly cut, teachers have continued to work hard and student test performance has continued to improve. The School System is on a positive path and has been recognized at both the state and national levels for its accomplishments."

Nichols continued, "I am grateful for the rewarding opportunity I have been given with the Mobile County Schools and I have truly enjoyed working with each of you. Please accept this letter as the official notification of my intent to retire. It is my desire to provide the Board with ample time to select my successor. Therefore, the effective date for my termination from full-time employment with the Mobile County School System will be no later than December 31, 2011."