Veteran Educator Eugene Wade to Retire

Published June 7, 2012

Williamson County Schools longest working employee has announced his retirement. Eugene Howard Wade is leaving the district after 48 years of continued service.

“We will probably never know how the extent of Eugene’s work has touched the lives of students and staff over the years,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “We wish Eugene all of the best as he begins a new chapter in his life.”

Wade began his career in 1964 as a teacher at Natchez High School. He also taught at Brentwood and Franklin high schools for a combined 31 years before moving to the Central Office in 1998 to serve as the Coordinator of Employee Relations and Recruitment.

“I believe that I have impacted at least 7,500 students, teachers, administrators, potential employees and support staff over these 48 years of service,” said Wade. “I have been highly favored by the Lord to have been able to work 48 years without missing a single day for personal illness.”

A reception in his honor will be held Thursday, June 28 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Carolyn Campbell Room of the Central Office.

With the announcement of Wade’s retirement, Dr. Looney also announced two job changes at the Central Office level. Career and Technical Education Coordinator Jackie Baggett has been named to replace Wade as Employee Relations and Recruitment Coordinator and Adult Education Supervisor Rhonda Booker Long has been named CTE Coordinator.

“I look forward to joining a dedicated Human Resources team in providing support to all WCS employees,” said Baggett. “And I will be working with Eugene and Rhonda to make sure all of the transitions are seamless.”

Long said she looks forward to working with the CTE students, teachers and school administrators. “Williamson County Schools has a history of exceptional CTE programs and I accept the challenge to continue that tradition of excellence and look forward to future innovations and business partnerships,” said Long. “I wish continued success for the Williamson County Adult Education program and will continue to be supportive of those efforts.”

Baggett and Long will begin their new responsibilities July 1.