TUPELO - Tupelo School District Curriculum Director Glenda Scott announced last that she will retire at the end of the school year, effective June 30.

Scott has spent two years as the director of the department that has worked with teachers to develop a standardized written curriculum, as well as pacing guides and various assessments. Prior to that, she spent several years as a principal in the school district.

Scott, who has been an educator for 32 years, said it was time for a new phase in her life. She looks forward to spending time with her two grandchildren - Noah Scott, 2, and James Williamson, 1 - and to pursuing other interests, including possibly consulting.

"I am just moving from this stage of my life," she said. "I like changes. I like new and interesting things, and I have some opportunities."

Scott's career began with two years as a teacher and a coach at Okolona. She also taught kindergarten in Saltillo and was a coach and teacher at Shannon High School for 11 years.

She then came to Tupelo, where she taught at Rankin Elementary and Lawhon Elementary before spending six years as Rankin's principal.

During that time, she led the school to Level 5 status and distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School. She was named Mississippi's Administrator of the Year in 2006.

Scott spent a brief tenure as principal of Joyner Elementary and of Tupelo High School before moving into her current job.

Tupelo Interim Superintendent David Meadows said at Thursday's School Board meeting it was difficult for him to accept Scott's retirement letter. He noted how she reinvented herself, coming to the district as a P.E. teacher and leaving as "an expert in literacy and curriculum."

"Ms. Scott, I can't tell you how much the district appreciates what you have done during your time here," Meadows said.

Scott said she appreciated working for Meadows and also that she regrets not having an opportunity to work with new superintendent Gearl Loden and new assistant superintendent Matthew Dillon.

"I regret I won't be able to work with Dr. Loden and Dr. Dillon, but it is a time in my life where I want to pursue other things," she said. "I will always be an ambassador for the teachers and principals in this district, and I appreciate all of the people who helped me reach my goals."

chris.kieffer@journalinc.com