The Jefferson City School District's spokesman, who's also the right-hand man to the superintendent, has announced he will retire at the end of the school year.
David Luther, assistant to the superintendent for school-community relations, will step down June 30, after 30 years in education, nearly all with the local school district. He qualifies for full retirement benefits by serving 30 years.
He said he's enjoyed his work with the district, and has been fortunate to work with a great staff, as well as parents, volunteers and community members.
"I've always sort of had an internal clock that told me when I needed to do something different, whether it meant something small or something bigger like this," he said.
In his "retirement," Luther plans to stay in Mid-Missouri and continue working.
"I know the things most appealing to me in the job I currently hold," Luther said. "I'm hoping I can find work doing those types of things. I like doing research. I like doing strategic planning. A lot of those things in my job are a good fit for me. But to do those things in a different setting or work with those other folks, that would be exciting for me."
Luther started as a teacher in Lebanon and was hired by the Jefferson City Public Schools as an English teacher in 1985. After 11 years, he became a library media specialist for Jefferson City High School, then, in 2000, director of school-community relations.
At his latest post, he has been responsible for developing and implementing all district-level communications, public relations and marketing initiatives as well as serving as a primary liaison to staff, parent groups, community and the media.
His annual salary is $114,000.
"David has been a tremendous asset to Jefferson City Public Schools," Superintendent Brian Mitchell said in a statement.
"He has established an incredible reputation for his work in community relations at the local, state and national levels. We thank him for his service to Jefferson City and wish him the very best in retirement!"
Luther said the district plans to start seeking applicants for the position and then begin the interviewing process. He said he announced his retirement several months in advance to give the district time to find his replacement, whom he will help train if someone is in place before he leaves.