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West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Rickie R. Harris announced his retirement on Friday.

Harris is retiring after a 28-year career in education effective Dec. 31, he said in a social media post.

“I have truly enjoyed my time as an educator — from teaching my son to read as he sat in the back seat as we drove 50 miles each way to my first principal’s position, to escorting my daughter as part of her senior homecoming court at WOS (West Orange Stark). I can truly say that the education profession has given me more than I could have ever dreamed,” Harris said. “Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have in my heart for the West Orange Cove CISD Board of Trustees, staff, students, and community. Your love and acceptance of my family and me over the last 10 years have been an incredible experience.”

Once a new superintendent is hired Harris will assume the role of superintendent emeritus and serve in that capacity until Dec. 31. While in this role he will act as a consultant to the board and the new superintendent to assist with a smooth leadership transition, he said.

Harris was hired as superintendent of the district in 2015.