Superintendent is retiring

Escambia County (Ala.) School Superintendent John Knott announced his retirement as of July 31, 2021, at last Thursday's board meeting.

Knott, who began his career as a special education teacher at W.S. Neal Elementary School, which he said he really loved.

"I absolutely loved the kids, the staff I worked with and really had not thought about doing anything other than that," said Knott. "I enjoyed it."

Knott had earned his master's degree in special education from Troy State University while he was teaching special education at Neal.

In 2004, W.S. Neal Elementary Principal Leon Hartley and School Superintendent Buck Powell both spoke to Knott about being principal there. Knott had completed the requirements for administrative certification and applied for the position.

"At that time, that job was an absolute dream job," said Knott. "I had a great time being principal at that school. We had a fantastic staff, great students and a community that really backed us."

Knott then applied for the assistant superintendent position in 2012.

"Mr. (Randall) Little was really good to me," said Knott. "I have a lot of thanks for him and others for giving me the opportunity."

Knott then applied for superintendent when Superintendent Little retired in 2014, a position Knott has held for the last seven years.

Emotions were high as he made the announcement, joking that he wanted to address 'the elephant in the room'. Several staff members and meeting attendees spoke well of their working relationship with Knott over the years, including Brewton Standard Publisher Lisa Tindel, Technology Coordinator Jamie Burkett and School Chief Financial Officer Julie Madden. Madden declined to speak.

"This has been a hard decision, but there comes a time for everybody," said Knott. "Everyone who knows me very well knows I love to work. I do. I love coming to work every day, I love the people I work with and I don't take for granted the responsibility that I have to our students, our staff and our community. But, it's time. We have great people in our schools. Sometimes I have to get out of everybody's way and let them do their job."

Knott paid his respects to board members, who he feels have supported his efforts as a superintendent.

"I'm just proud to have had the opportunity to work with good people," said Knott. "I have had a board to work that has supported me through thick and thin that have been wonderful colleagues and very good friends and I appreciate that so much."

Board member Danny Benjamin took a moment to comment on Knott, emphasizing the respect he has witnessed among Knott's peer across the state.

"I've served alongside eight superintendents, more than anyone at this table," said Benjamin. "It's with tremendous mixed emotions today that we will vote on the personnel recommendations today, because I know that you've done an outstanding job. To get to Montgomery and Birmingham and see you rub shoulders with other superintendents and how they respect you and what you bring to the superintendents' arena, we've been blessed to have you Brother Knott. I hate to see you retire, but I'm glad to see you retire. I wish you the best. You've done nothing but move this board and this county forward. We are certainly going to miss you. Nobody can fill your shoes. God bless you. We will always love you."

Board member David Nolin jokingly said he moved that Knott's retirement be taken off the agenda, which was jokingly seconded by Benjamin. Knott thanked them for their support through the years and stated he has confidence the school system is in good hands with the current board.

"Whoever comes in, they are blessed to start with and they've got a great board and the board will do a good job," said Knott. "They'll put somebody in place that will take us forward. I have all the confidence in the world that we will have a good selection process that will bring somebody on who will be able to move this board and this school system forward."

Technology Coordinator Jamie Burkett spoke about Knott's ability to lead and remain calm, even in the face of an unprecedented situation brought about by a pandemic.

"Last April, when the pandemic came around, it brought technology to the forefront of education like we never expected it to," said Burkett. "To be from this area and know the limitations we had, Mr. Knott 's leadership and the things he had us do, I don't know that our kids suffered a lick as far as technology is concerned. He was right there with his guidance, calm and steady, and we made it through it, and I think we made it through it very well. That's one of the things I'll always be thankful for."

A self-admitted workaholic, Knott has plans to spend time with his family and travel upon his retirement.

"It's time,"said Knott. "God has blessed me and blessed my life. I recognize that. I have had opportunities and responsibilities placed in my hands, I have been blessed to serve in the role that I have, first as a teacher, then as a principal, and now as superintendent. I've been blessed to have the people in my work life who have provided me so much support and so much help along the way. I'm not the one who gets the things done in this county, its the people who are feet on the ground who are working with our kids."