Saying it has been a "great ride," Mayfield Brown bid goodbye to the Oneida Special School District Board of Education at its Thursday night meeting at Oneida High School.
Brown will step down on December 31 after 13 years with the Oneida Special School District, 12 of which were spent as Superintendent of Schools. Thursday's meeting was his last as superintendent.
"It's been a great privelege to work for this school system and board," Brown said. "There's a lot of people who have contributed so much to my life and (wife) Theresa's life."
Brown said the school system's contributors deserve recognition.
"We've got to thank people who have given so many dollars to this school, so many scholarships to this school," he said.
Brown said that he had never seen a community like Oneida, where people decide they want something and put their shoulders together to get it done.
Brown, who was presented a plaque by the board in appreciation for his service to the system, said it will be difficult to leave.
"It's not going to be easy for me to leave," he said. "We've got many friends here.
"It's been a great ride and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I've loved the job and I've loved the people I've worked with."
Brown announced his retirement in August, saying he and his family plan to remain in the community. He will take a job with a local organization.
news@ihoneida.com
