Miller to retire as Polk County schools superintendent
Published 8:12 pm Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Superintendent William “Bill” Miller
Polk County Schools Superintendent William J. Miller announced Tuesday night that he plans to retire prior to the start of the 2016-17 academic year.
At a specially called meeting of the Polk County Board of Education, Miller informed the board of his intent to retire effective August 1, 2016. Miller has been superintendent of Polk County Schools since April 1, 2004, and has served more than 30 years in the district.
“This has been a difficult decision and time for me,” Miller said. “The opportunity to serve as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in the community and school system where I grew up has been the joy of my life.
“I leave with nothing but the best of memories. I will always cherish the relationships I have had with board members, administrators, teachers, parents and, most of all, students. This is a special place and it has been my honor to be a small part of it.”
Speaking on behalf of the Polk County Board of Education, Chairman Geoffrey M. Tennant said the board has retained the Asheville law firm of Campbell Shatley, PLLC to assist in the search for a new superintendent. The board will begin accepting applications from both internal and external candidates immediately and hopes to be able to name a new superintendent no later than May 1.
“This brings to an end a distinguished and exemplary career in public education,” Tennant said. “Polk County schools have benefited from his dedication to and genuine concern for students and staff as well as our community. He has served as a teacher and coach, a principal, a central office administrator and finally as our superintendent. He also served briefly with the Western Regional Education Service Alliance. Mr. Miller has spent thirty plus years serving the public schools and our students.
“His expertise, compassion and dedication will be sorely missed. Those who have had the opportunity to have their lives touched by this remarkable man are indeed far richer for that experience. The entire board wishes Mr. Miller the very best in the future and thanks him for his extraordinary service to the young people of Polk County and to our community as a whole.”
Miller, a graduate of Tryon High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education at Wingate University and a master’s in secondary education administration at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. After serving on the men’s basketball staff at Wingate, he began his teaching career as a social studies teacher and basketball coach at Tryon High School. He later served as principal of Polk County High School and as the district’s personnel director and assistant superintendent before becoming its superintendent in 2004.
– Submitted by Andy Rhinehart
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