After five years at the helm of Demopolis High School Ronald Roberts has decided to take time out to enjoy the simple things in life. Roberts met with the Demopolis City School Board Tuesday morning to inform them he would be retiring. The retirement, which came as a surprise to most everyone in the city, was accepted and the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

Roberts said he felt the timing was right to step down and added he would miss the relationships he has formed in his five years at DHS.

“This is something I felt was best for our family,” Roberts said. “I am certainly going to miss the close associations I had with the people of Demopolis. They have been great and it has been a great experience for my family.”

Roberts said he chose to retire after the school year ended to keep the focus on the students and make the search for a replacement easier.

“I waited until after graduation so it wouldn’t be such a distraction,” Roberts said. “This also gives the school board and Dr. Hill plenty of time to interview and name a replacement.”

Only hours after his retirement Roberts was showered with wishes of good luck in his future endeavors. He said this was just another example of how strongly the people of Demopolis support their school system.

“I have been overwhelmed with some of the responses by the school board members,” Roberts said. “I feel good about the future of education in Demopolis. There are so many good people concerned with education here that it would be hard not to have a good school system.”

After five years Roberts will leave a lot of memories in the halls of his school. He said some of the greatest memories of all were bringing his two loves, his family and his school together.

“One of the biggest things that I got out of here was being able to see my own children in school with me,” Roberts said. “People have been very good to us and we appreciate that.”

Roberts does not plan to step aside right away. He will remain at the school until Aug. 1 to help with the transition to a new principal. He said he would do whatever it took to make the transition a smooth one.

“Anything I can do to help them I will be glad to,” Roberts said. “I am retiring, not resigning to take another position, so I am not in a hurry. I will do whatever it takes to help with this process. I will not interfere with the process, but I will do whatever I can to help.”

Roberts will also continue as normal with summer school and the other summer duties he normally oversees.

While he is sad to leave his students, Roberts also said he felt good knowing he is doing the right thing and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people.

“I know in my heart I am doing the right thing,” Roberts said. “I love our school system and Dr. Hill is probably one of the best superintendents in the state. He has been very supportive, as has the board with our school. There is no animosity, no hard feelings whatsoever and I am glad to be able to leave under those conditions. It makes me feel good about some of the things we have accomplished here.”

When asked about the success of the school during his tenure, Roberts passed the credit to his teachers.

“I just happened to be in charge of a group of fine educators here at the high school,” Roberts said. “That means everything in the world.”

It would be hard for Roberts to have chosen a more exciting year to go out on. The school continued to excel in academics as well as athletics claiming state titles in football and baseball. Roberts said this was only the beginning as long as concerned citizens continued to support their schools.

“It has been a fun year,” Roberts said. “There are going to be a lot more fun years to come as long as we have the people in Demopolis who are willing to set aside politics and other things going on to focus on what is best for all of our children.”

Superintendent Dr. Wesley Hill was unavailable for comment, however, the school board office extended their sadness and gratitude to Roberts.