DEMOPOLIS &045; Mary Glass will end nearly half a century in public education at the end of the academic year.

Glass began her career as an elementary teacher in her hometown of Mobile. She spent a decade there before moving with her husband to his hometown, here in Demopolis.

Hill said Glass served under three principals before she took over the reins of Westside Elementary.

Hill praised Glass for her doing a &8220;lovely job working with people,&8221; adding that she built a team &8220;who serve her well.&8221;

Glass has seen many changes in her 49 years of educating young people. Predominantly technology has increased development opportunities for teachers, Glass said. She also believes that children are learning more at an earlier age, and the eagerness to learn was what made her job the most interesting.

Glass said she will miss the people with whom she has worked at Westside.

Hill said the district will follow the same procedure to choose Glass’ replacement as they did when hiring Dr. Isaac Espy at the high school. The procedure will include using a consultant to review applicants said she will miss the people with whom she has worked at Westside.

Hill said the district will follow the same procedure to choose Glass’ replacement as they did when hiring Dr. Isaac Espy at the high school. The procedure will include using a consultant who will review applicants before offering a slate to be interviewed. The deadline for applying is March 9.