HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A school event just before the start of school in Houston County brings word of an ending that's on the way.
"It is with a mix of emotions that I announce my retirement as the superintendent of schools at the end of this school year," Scott said.
For almost 40 years, Scott has led the way reassuring parents the success of their child's education and teachers were supported.
Scott's teaching career began when he taught heating and air repair classes in a vocational school.
In 1997, he started teaching in Baldwin County and spent 10 years there before coming to Houston County in 2014. He says when his wife retired last year, he decided to retire himself.
"We're at that phase in life where it's time for another chapter and I'm sure there will be other things that I will do," Scott said. "I'm an active person, I stay engaged in the community and I love it here in Houston County, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life."
Houston County school deputy superintendent Dr. Richard Rogers says hearing Superintendent Mark Scott's news is sad, but working together was exceptional.
"He has really given public education his life," Rogers said. "And he says there are two types of employees. Those who teach and those who support teachers."
From opening new schools, making sure the students had Chromebooks and renovating current ones. Rogers says Scott's accomplishments won't go unnoticed.
"Working with Dr. Scott is just keeping people in the forefront, making the best decisions for this district and just not leaving any part of the district out," Rogers said.
Rogers says their strengths and weaknesses complement each other. Their teamwork and always working to do what's best for the staff and students is known as the "Houston County Way."
"He has really modeled effective leadership with our team and we're all better because of him," Rogers said.
Scott says he's overwhelmed with joy about heading into retirement at the end of the school year but considers everyone in the district family.
"The people you work with, you care about them," Scott said. "And it's a difficult thing but I'll still be in the community, I'll still be supporting the school district just from a different role."
Right now, there isn't a replacement for Scott but that decision will more than likely be made near the end of the school year.
In 2014, Scott took over for Robin Hines, a fellow former Northside principal.