Butler County Superintendent Writes Goodbye Letter to Community
Butler County Superintendent John Strycker announced in September that he would be leaving the Butler County School System. Strycker accepted a job in Jackson County, Mississippi to become the superintendent there.
He will remain the superintendent through December.
Thursday, Strycker wrote a heartfelt goodbye to students, faulty, and the Butler County Community.
“Saying goodbye to our students this past week has been one of the hardest things I have had to do in my 30-year career. I truly love these kids with all my heart and feel a sense of family with many of them. Just yesterday when walking through Greenville Elementary School, a 4th grade student said to me, “Dr. Strycker, we know you are proud of us. Well, we are proud of you too.” What 4th grade student says such a nice thing? I was also touched when I received the many pictures from Georgiana students illustrating the words, “Please don’t leave us.” Even telling this story is hard for me because of how much I know I will miss them.
I want our students to know that I am proud of each of them. I want them to know that I consider them family and that they are welcome to contact me anytime they need me whether I am in this school system or not. I also want them to know that I have appreciated their kind and loving hearts and thank them for letting me into their hearts.
I will also miss the staff and community of Butler County Schools. I want to thank the many supporters of our vision to improve this school system. I am very proud of the academic growth we have experienced these past two years from a “D” school system to a “middle-C.” I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated staff.
Change is never easy and I still feel strongly that change needs to occur in our school system to become the best we can be as a school community that serves our children. We have come a long way, but I would encourage the school system to continue to push forward – our students deserve our very best!
Until we meet again, my wife Debra and I say goodbye and best wishes.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Holiday Season.”
