Harrison County School Superintendent Bob Kittle will leave his post at the end of the month, wrapping up 15 years as head of the county school system. No matter if you're a baseball manager, a football coach or a school superintendent, to be in the same place for that long is quite an achievement. It is also quite a testament to his talent, skills and leadership abilities.
Kittle's legacy will not only be several bright, shiny new schools, but a successful academic program as well -- one that has gained national attention.
It has not always been easy, and, in fact, Kittle's made his share of enemies over the years. But through all the battles over reductions in force and school consolidation, one thing is clear: Kittle stood by his guns and more than a decade later, we're much better off.
Through school bond levies and monies from the state School Building Authority, Harrison County has five new schools and major improvements to virtually all of the other facilities.
Classes now incorporate the latest in high technology, giving students infinitely more opportunities than their parents had.
Kittle plans to take a well-deserved sabbatical in order to golf, fish and spend time with his family. We wish him well.
We would also like to thank him for a job well done. If ever there was the right person in the right place at the right time, it was Bob Kittle.