Staff report
Dr. Robert Heffern, the first principal of Koontz Elementary School, has announced his retirement from the school system effective June 30, a Rowan-Salisbury School System press release said Tuesday.
Heffern will continue his career in education, the press release said, as an associate professor at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. There, he will teach mostly graduate courses in school administration.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years in Rowan County,” Heffern said in the release. “I have made some wonderful friends and found some wonderful educators to work with. I will miss everyone. This is a new stage in my life, and my wife and I look forward to moving on.”
Heffern’s wife, Diane, retired from the Rowan-Salisbury School System in 2007.
Heffern came to the Rowan-Salisbury School System from the Alexander County Schools six years ago as associate superintendent for administrative services under former Superintendent Dr. Wiley Doby.
He was then named the first principal at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary School, which opened in August of 2006. He has held the position since that time.
“I appreciate the work that Dr. Heffern has given to our school system and the efforts he has made in focusing on the success of our students,” Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom said. “I wish him well and much success as he moves forward with his future plans.”