USD 234 Superintendent Bob Beckham is retiring effective June 29.

Beckham gave the Board of Education notice at a meeting last Tuesday.

Beckham worked his way up from teacher to the athletic director, then the principal, then four years ago assumed the superintendency of the district.

The following is from an interview with fortscott.biz.

Why are you retiring?

“I always told myself that I would know when it was time for me to retire, I just know it’s time now.”

How far into your contract are you?

“In June I will have fulfilled my current contract.”

Will you give a short synopsis of your career?

“After graduating from Pittsburg State University I taught and coached five years at Altoona-Midway High School.  I came home in 1989 and taught biology and social studies and coached at  Fort Scott High School for nine years. I served as the athletic director for seven years, then as the high school principal for eight years. I will have completed my fourth year as the superintendent in June.”

Why did you become an educator?

“Like all educators, I chose this profession to invest in young people – to help them reach their full potential.”

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

“I will be going back to work, just not sure in what capacity yet.”