Superintendent Gary Mathews last week officially announced his plans to retire. We're sorry for the community to hear that we'll be losing our top official, who is leaving after starting our school system on the path to success one small step at a time.

We've always found Dr. Mathews to be an open and honest man, whose transparency and responsiveness was incredibly refreshing.

While his presence and leadership will be missed, we're glad that he'll have some more time to spend with his grandchildren, which is certainly a noble and fulfilling retirement goal.

We would like to see Mathews' policies continued, and we hope the new superintendent doesn't tear up everything and start from scratch. If a decision is made soon enough, the new superintendent will have adequate time to work with Dr. Mathews so the transition is smooth.

The school board has an opportunity to make a decision that will positively affect our children and ensure future, positive growth in Newton County.