Citing a need to be closer to family in North Georgia, Glynn County Schools Superintendent Dr. Virgil Cole released the following letter this morning, announcing he would not be seeking a new contract when his expires at the end of June 2020:
”Good morning GCSS Team,
As you may be aware, in July 2017, I signed a three-year contract, which will concludeJune 30, 2020. After much thought, prayer and ongoing conversation with my family, we have made the very difficult decision not to seek a new contract. This decision has been especially tough, since my family and I love being members of and working in this community, and I deeply respect and admire the Glynn County Board of Education. I believe this is a very special place, with an outstanding Board, community, parents, students, and staff.
However, there comes a time in most of our lives when we have to put our parents and family over our professional plans and aspirations. During our time here, we have been starkly reminded of the precious nature of life and particularly the value of time spent with those we love. The loss of my wife’s mother last year, followed closely by concerning health news regarding my parents and their slow decline since, has been a wake-up call. Our decision is based solely on our need to be much closer to them so that we are able to spend time with and be available to help care for my family. We don’t feel that we can do this adequately living and working over 4 and a half hours away. Throughout my life, my parents have supported me in my every endeavor, and it’s time that I do the same for them. This issue is not unique to me or my circumstances, since this affects all of us with aging parents at some point.
Making this decision has been extremely difficult, because I believe we have, together, moved this system forward in so many positive ways. Being the superintendent of GCSS has been everything I had hoped it would be and more. I am still as humbled today by the awesome trust and opportunity afforded to me by this Board as when I was selected for this job. They have been extremely supportive, and I have enjoyed working with this great team. Leadership, in my opinion, is about serving others, and I can only hope that I have given as much as I have received.
As I have done, I will continue to pray for this system and community, for blessings, wise decisions, strength, integrity, and to continue to make the positive impact befitting of this historic and special place. I cannot thank everyone enough for all you have meant to me and my family. We still have work to do, and I will continue to work tirelessly, especially toward a smooth transition.
With deep respect and admiration,
Virgil”