Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler sent a letter to colleagues and a letter to parents and families on Friday following the announcement of his retirement.
After nearly 51 years in education, Tyler said he wanted staff to hear about his retirement from him before "posts are made and the assumptions start."
"Looking back over the last 11 years, it has been an incredible journey," Tyler reflected. "Our story is a great one. When I returned as superintendent, our schools faced real challenges. There were no clear plans for new buildings, and long-term bonds were impacting taxpayers. Together, we have turned that around.
"We have built and are building new schools across the county thanks to a pay-as-you-go financial structure unique to Baldwin County Public Schools," he continued. "Communities have passed voter-approved millages to fund programs like STEAM, instructional aides and behavior coaches. Our individual school and district state rankings continue to go up. We are on the cusp of a systemwide 'A.' This is a huge deal for a county school system of our size."
Tyler said the system is a leader in Baldwin County, emphasizing that it was the first to return to in-person classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. The new virtual school was developed and remains available to students.
Also highlighted in the letters was the state-of-the-art Baldwin Preparatory Academy in Loxley.
Tyler thanked his staff for providing quality education to students. He called on teachers to never lose focus on the mission to achieve success.
"I know education is changing. I know it's more political than ever," said Tyler. "Never lose focus on what we've been called to do. We fight the good fight. The naysayers can try to overshadow the amazing work happening across our system, but we can never let them win."
In a letter to parents and families, Tyler wrote, "While critics may try to overshadow the incredible work happening across our system, we cannot let that define us. Thank you for trusting us with your children. Your support has made Baldwin County Public Schools a place where students can flourish. Celebrate the good happening in our schools and take pride in all that our students are accomplishing."
Tyler's retirement will be effective June 30. Assistant Superintendent Marty McRae will serve as interim superintendent until a new superintendent can be hired.
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