Huxford Elementary School Principal Donna Silcox is the latest Escambia County educator to opt for early retirement rather than face an increase in insurance costs after a later retirement.

Silcox read aloud during Thursday’s Escambia County School Board meeting from a letter written to inform parents and school board members of her decision. Through occasional tears, Silcox said she is dismayed by the Alabama Legislature’s bill and their decision to not extend the retirement deadline until the end of the 2011-12 school year.

“It with disappointment and regret that I must advise you that I will be retiring from my position as principal of Huxford Elementary,” Silcox said. “My decision to retire from education is solely based on Senate Bill 419, which was sponsored by Sen. Del Marsh, R-Calhoun County, which forces educators to make mid-year retirement decisions or suffer financial penalties.”

Friday morning, as Silcox carried out her normal duties as HES principal, children stopped for hugs in the hallway. “We don’t want you to leave,” one child told her. “Why do you have to go?”

Silcox’s retirement will become effective Wednesday, Nov. 30. With her decision to retire early, Silcox will join the ranks of Escambia County educators such as Superintendent Billy Hines who announced his mid-year retirement earlier this year.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as principal of Huxford Elementary School,” Silcox said Thursday. “I will miss you and will always be an avid supporter of Huxford.”

Randall Little, who was sworn in as interim superintendent Thursday, said Silcox’s retirement will be a big loss for the school system.

“I perfectly understand her decision,” Little said. “I support her decision, but I wish she could have stayed.”

A decision on who will replace Silcox at HES has not yet
been made.

Little, who will replace Hines following his retirement at the end of the year, said he will miss working with Hines but is looking ahead to new challenges.

“I want to commend Mr. Hines for his leadership during his tenure,” Little said. “I’m looking forward to the new challenges of this position. We’re not going to make any big changes though. An interim maintains the status quo.”

In other business, the Escambia County School Board:

• Approved the appointment of Willie J. Girssett as board chairman.

• Approved the appointment of Jack D. Crutchfield as board vice-chairman.